Close Encounter with the Kremer Porsche 935 K3

With the upcoming 24hrs of Le Mans that starts on the 15th of June I was thinking about this Kremer K3. I’ve had the privilege of examining different Kremer Porsche 935 K3 up close many times. But never quite like this. During the “International Club Day of Porsche Friends” in Dinslaken, Kremer Racing had their own stand, and this car was the highlight of the day. As visitors, we were even lucky enough to hear the engine roar to life, experiencing it in all its glory.

The K3 Porsches come in many forms and variants, making it tough to judge a K3 purely by its appearance. Thankfully, as photographers, we often have a cheat sheet by the car with all the essential details. Unfortunately, Kremer was brief in this case, so I can’t confirm what kind of racing history this particular car has.

What I do know is that this is a Porsche 935 K3/80. The number 80 corresponds to the specifications of that year—1980, in this case. Each year, the Group 5 regulations were reviewed and adjusted as necessary. The yearly adjustment of the regulations meant that Kremer Racing had to modify their cars every season to stay competitive. This constant evolution was a hallmark of their engineering prowess. The relentless pursuit of perfection kept Kremer Racing at the forefront of motorsport, adapting and innovating to meet the ever-changing demands of the racing world.

A Vision in Mint Green: BMW M3 G81 Touring

If you could choose, which BMW Individual color would you order for your new BMW?

JP Kraemer had a clear vision for his BMW M3 G81 Touring, and he opted for a striking mint green. On his YouTube channel, you can follow the journey from the grand unveiling at BMW Welt to the present day. If have seen all the videos but this was my first encounter with the car in the flesh.

The car was parked right in front of JP Performance’s headquarters in Dortmund, about a two-hour drive from where I live. I was visiting the Pace Museum, also founded by JP Kraemer, but more on that later. After my museum visit, I decided to check out the Big Boost Burger restaurant, situated just across from the headquarters. And there it was, the BMW M3 Touring, demanding attention.

Perhaps the most extraordinary feature isn’t even the mint green exterior but rather the entirely purple interior. This bespoke upholstery job was executed by Zettl, a company renowned for its expertise in re-upholstering car interiors to such a high standard that major automakers seek them out for custom interiors.

A Surprise Encounter with a Mercedes W114

At a recent Porsche event in Dinslaken, Germany, my attention was unexpectedly captured by a Mercedes-Benz parked in the outside parkinglot. I’ll be honest: I often struggle to identify these models at a glance. Fortunately, the license plate offered a helpful clue with “W114,” indicating this car’s model year from 1968 till 1976 also known as the “Strich-Acht” in German (slash eight). The “/8” designation refers to its introduction year, 1968. It also indicates this as a car with a six-cylinder engine, because the W115 version had 4 cylinder engines.

This particular model is the Coupé version, instantly recognizable by its absence of a B-pillar, giving it a sleek and elegant profile. But this wasn’t just any W114 Coupé. Equipped with air ride suspension and custom wheels, it made an unforgettable impression, evidenced by the crowd gathered around it in the parking lot.

The combination of classic design and modern modifications transformed this Mercedes-Benz into a show-stopper, blending timeless style with contemporary flair. It’s a perfect example of how classic cars can be reimagined to capture the attention and admiration of enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Owner; Mr. Robson

BMW 3.0 CSL: Lightweight Legend of Racing

The BMW 3.0 CSL is undoubtedly a legendary race car, but what exactly makes it so legendary? During a recent visit to the Pace Museum earlier this year, I came face to face with this iconic BMW. But more on the Pace Museum in another post – I’ll be revisiting soon, as they’ve refreshed their collection once again.

For many, this car is known as the Batmobile. The BMW 3.0 CSL earned this moniker thanks to its distinctive aerodynamic features, including large spoilers and air dams, designed to enhance high-speed stability. Its aggressive styling and imposing rear wing give it a futuristic, Batmobile-like appearance that’s hard to forget.

Originally developed as a homologation special to allow BMW to compete in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC), the 3.0 CSL quickly proved its mettle on the track. One particular car, the car you see here on the photos, made history in 1973 when it won the Nürburgring 6 hours with drivers Chris Amon and Hans-Joachim Stuck behind the wheel according to Group 2 regulations.

The Birth of a Legend – BMW M3 EVO

Developed directly from the crucible of motorsport, the BMW M3 was a groundbreaking marvel. When it made its debut at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 1985, it didn’t just turn heads; it set the automotive world alight. This was more than just a car; it was the genesis of an icon in the BMW M lineup, a machine destined to dominate both the streets and the racetrack.

The vision behind the original BMW M3 was deceptively simple yet profoundly ambitious: to create a racing sedan that was equally at home on public roads. What nobody could predict was just how phenomenally successful the M3 would become. It was a game-changer, blending everyday usability with the ferocious spirit of a track-bred thoroughbred.

The Distinctive Charm Of The VW Golf Mk3

The Golf Mk3 is a staple at every VAG meeting, known for its affordability and endless customization possibilities. Thomas Visch’s Mk3 stands out as a classic example of how it should be done. Thomas and I go way back, over 12 years, to when I first spotted his Golf Mk3 at the Midwinter Meeting of Team VW Speed in 2012 that I featured on Speedhunters. His love for the Mk3 was evident even then. At Royal Fitment, I saw his latest project and knew it was time for a closer look.

Imported from Germany, this Mk3 started as a VR6 Highline with a purple leather interior. However, Thomas can’t leave anything standard for long. One of the first changes was a new set of wheels. The Porsche Eta Beta wheels, a familiar sight on a Golf, measure 8×17” and are wrapped in 185/35/17 Nankang tires. For braking, a set from a Golf Mk4 R32 with 340mm discs was installed at the front, while the rear brakes remain original from the VR6.

What I admire most about this project is the choice of coilovers. The car rides at the height you see here, thanks to an H&R Deep coilover set, which allows the car to sit lower than standard options on the market.

A Newfound Appreciation for the Audi TT RS

I’ll be honest: I’m not a huge fan of many new-generation cars, the so-called new-wave models. The same goes for the Audi TT, a car that never really caught my interest. That was until I came face-to-face with Erik van de Meer’s Audi TT RS at Royal Fitment. Parked prominently in front of the hotel, it was impossible to ignore.

After passing by it several times and noticing a growing crowd, my curiosity got the better of me. As with many such cars, the magic lies in the details, and this TT RS boasts an abundance of details all in carbon fiber.

The foundation is a 2019 Audi TT RS in Tango Red, model code 8S, one of the latest generation. Under the hood sits a 2.5-liter TFSI five-cylinder engine. With a stock output of 400 hp, this is no longer a sheep in wolves clothes. While the engine remains stock for now, Erik is already gathering parts for a Stage 3 upgrade.

A Classic Dream: BMW E28 5 Series

The BMW E28 5 Series is a personal favorite of mine. I’ve been toying with the idea of buying one as a project car for years. Some enthusiasts, however, turn dreams into reality. Dries de Vries is one such enthusiast and he brought his car to Royal Fitment. His BMW 525 is a testament to dedication and passion. After some serious elbow grease to rid the car of rust, it now gleams beautifully.

Many owners opt for air ride suspension to lower their E28s. This allows for either tucking the top of the wheel into the wheel arch or letting the wheel arch sit right on the edge of the wheel. Personally, I prefer the latter look. Dries, however, chose a different route, lowering his car with a BC Racing Extreme Low coilover kit. This setup requires maintaining some space between the wheels and the arches, providing a cleaner look even when driving. It all boils down to personal preference.