15 Years in the Making – The Ultimate BMW E30

The BMW E30 is a chameleon of the automotive world. Whether you’re after a sleek stance build or a performance monster, it’s the ultimate blank canvas. Proof? Look no further than Joost van de Ven’s masterpiece—a 15-year passion project that epitomizes the E30’s versatility. Spotted at the Tuning Experience during the Essen Motor Show, this car is as much a reflection of Joost’s relentless pursuit of perfection as it is a nod to the enduring appeal of the E30.

Joost’s Instagram is a rolling chronicle of this car’s evolution, showcasing years of tweaks, upgrades, and refinements. While it may look like the culmination of his efforts, Joost himself would likely say this isn’t the end of the journey.

Turbo Zwoelf – A Mercedes SLC Like No Other

At the JP Performance stand at the Essen Motor Show, the Volto 850 wasn’t the only project turning heads. Sharing the spotlight was this Mercedes-Benz SLC 450 Turbo Zwoelf, a machine so outrageous that even its name hints at the lunacy beneath its bonnet.

This isn’t just any SLC 450—it’s powered by a V12 engine, essentially the same one that roars in the heart of a Pagani Zonda. If that weren’t enough, it’s been fitted with not one, but two turbochargers, transforming this vintage coupe into a snarling, fire-breathing beast.

The car reminds me of the legendary Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC AMG ‘Mampe’ Touring Car, a racing icon sponsored by the German liqueur producer Mampe. The original car was famous for its wide arches and aggressive stance. JP Performance took that concept and dialed it up to 11, pushing the wheel arches to exaggerated proportions.

Volto 850 – Electrifying the Past

Electric cars are no longer a novelty—they’re an integral part of the automotive landscape. But let’s face it, why are so many of them so painfully uninspiring to look at? But the same could be said for many modern ICE cars, to be fair. So, what’s the solution? Simple: take an iconic design and electrify it. That’s exactly what we have here—a Volvo 850 turned into a cutting-edge EV.

This jaw-dropping build started as a digital concept by Mean Machines and was brought to life by Hote Design, who handled the exterior transformation. The rest of the project, including the drivetrain and all the mind-bending tech, was conceived and built by the creative wizards at JP Performance. Jean Pierre Kramer, the mastermind behind JP Performance, has made a name for himself by pushing boundaries, and this Volto 850 was undoubtedly one of the highlights of his stand at the Essen Motor Show.

Unlike most modern EVs, this one doesn’t just plug in and drive—it gives you choices. The EV drivetrain, positioned cleverly behind the front seats, powers both the front and rear wheels. Using a simple control interface where the gear shifter would usually be, you can toggle the power distribution to suit your preference: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or front-wheel drive. It’s this kind of versatility that sets the Volto 850 apart from the sea of soulless electric commuters.

Bagged Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Fit for Royalty

If ever a car deserved to be called Fit for a King, it’s this Mercedes-Benz 280 SE. Hailing from an era when Mercedes-Benz built their cars like tanks, finding one in this condition is a rare feat. But Bastien Fischer managed to track down this gem and has spent years transforming it into the automotive masterpiece you see here.

First spotted earlier this year at Ultrace, this W126 caught my eye again at the Essen Motor Show. With a production history dating back to 1979, the 280 SE is a symbol of German engineering excellence. But what makes this car truly stand out is the vintage Kamei body kit, introduced in 1982 under the name X1. Back then, X1 was the tuning division of Kamei.

Today, sourcing an X1 body kit for a W126 is no small task, but it’s the kind of touch that completes a build like this. Combined with an air ride suspension system, the car’s stance becomes an eye-catching blend of old-school sophistication and modern-day cool.

Essen Motor Show’s Gem – The Perfect BMW E9

The Essen Motor Show 2024 is in full swing, and as tradition dictates, last Friday was all about hitting the autobahn to Germany for the show’s much-anticipated Preview Day. Once an exclusive affair reserved for press, exhibitors, and VIPs, Preview Day now offers early access to anyone willing to pay €10 extra. Predictably, this change has transformed what was once a quieter experience into a bustling start to the weekend.

For me, Preview Day is a mix of networking, catching up with familiar faces, and getting behind the lens to capture the cars. But let’s be honest: while the people and conversations make the event memorable, the cars are the real stars of the show. And one car that I wanted to see in real life, stole the spotlight for me this year—a breathtaking BMW E9 2800CS that didn’t disappoint.

When it comes to quality and sheer aesthetic appeal, this E9 was in a league of it’s own. Everything about it exuded precision and passion, from its stance to the meticulously crafted interior. This wasn’t just a build; it was a vision brought to life. What impressed me most was how the car retained the timeless lines of the original E9, a design so inherently beautiful it hardly needs enhancement.

Gallery: A Tribute to BMW: The Best of Ultrace

While on assignment for another publication, I found myself looking at photos from BMW’s at this years Ultrace event, still the highlight of the year when it comes to top-tier car builds. The sheer number of BMWs on display was staggering, so much so that I decided to create a dedicated gallery for the Munich marque.

If you’re not a fan of BMW, this post might not be for you. But for everyone else, consider this a tribute to the Bavarian brand in all its glory.

Check the entire gallery below!

Gallery: VW Team Brabant Event 2024

Time to reflect on the VW Team Brabant event, which saw a record number of cars and an unbeatable, friendly atmosphere. What I loved most was seeing the blend of generations coming together. The old guard with cars they’ve owned for decades, constantly finding new ways to tweak and improve them. Then there are the newcomers, soaking in all the beauty around them, and in between, you’ve got a group rolling up with fresh, new projects. A prime example of the latter is Ricardo Kruijf’s Golf Mk1, which we’ve already featured in a spotlight.

We also had some special guests from across the channel, with a group from England making an appearance. You can immediately tell that the bar is set high over there. A standout example? The guys from Grounded Original. I’ve had these cars in front of my camera before, and yet, they still manage to command an unreal level of attention.

The VW Corrado: A ’90s Dream Car Revived

For many who got their driver’s license in the ’90s, the VW Corrado was the ultimate dream car. I should know—I was one of them. My love for Volkswagen came from my father, and when I finally passed my driving test, there was only one car I truly wanted. But, like many dreams, it remained just that. Even back then, you needed a decent bank account to afford a Corrado, even on the second-hand market.

For Rens Robben, the Corrado was also his dream car, until 2019, when he found this particular example in a small village in Austria. It’s an American-spec model, easily identified by the side markers in the front bumper. It even has automatic seatbelts, something we Europeans aren’t really familiar with. But over time, this Corrado made its way back to Europe.

Originally, this car came with a 1.8-liter 8v G60 engine, but it’s since been swapped for a more potent 1.8-liter 16v G60. Now boosting 224.8hp and 290Nm of torque. The G-Lader was an innovative supercharger that Volkswagen introduced in the ’80s and ’90s. Though it was eventually replaced by more reliable turbochargers and other forms of forced induction, the G-Lader holds a special place in automotive history, especially for VW enthusiasts.