Daily Driven, Show Ready: Masterclass in OEM+

It’s easy to assume that the most jaw-dropping builds are tucked away in garages, polished to perfection and wheeled out only for summer shows and Sunday coffees. But every now and then, a car comes along that breaks that mould. A build so clean, so dialled in, that you’d swear it’s a showpiece. But it isn’t, the owner uses his car as a daily driver. I Spotted this BMW E30 at the Royal Fitment show this year and couldn’t keep my eyes off of it.

Sitting pretty on custom BBS E50 wheels, stepped up from 15 to 17 inches, this car nails the OEM+ aesthetic with ruthless precision. The wheels tuck effortlessly under the arches thanks to a fully integrated Airlift 3P air suspension system, offering both head-turning stance and everyday practicality. Whether you’re gliding through traffic or laying frame at a weekend meet, the setup adapts on the fly and it’s all controlled at the touch of a button.

Reviving Legends: Mercedes 190E Evo II Replica

Lowering a Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II over a set of BBS wheels? I can almost hear the purists falling off their chairs. But fear not, this is a replica. And it’s so meticulously crafted that you can barely tell the difference from the outside. I spotted this gem at Ultrace, lined up with other classic models from the Mercedes-Benz catalogue.

These days, you can transform a standard Mercedes-Benz 190E into a true legend. A quick search for an Evo II body kit for the Mercedes-Benz 190E yields plenty of results on Google. So, if you own a 190E, the possibilities are endless. Genuine Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution IIs have become prohibitively expensive, which isn’t surprising given that only 502 units were ever made. If recent auction prices are anything to go by, they now fetch no less than €300,000.

Back to this well-crafted replica, the owner has added several personal touches. Most striking are the BBS LM wheels that fill the wheel arches nicely, thanks in part to the air ride suspension.

Home Built Mercedes-Benz SL320 on Air Lift

The Mercedes-Benz SL made its debut back in 1952, and the most iconic and now unaffordable 300SL remains one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. Anything that came after had some pretty big boots to fill. Now, the fourth-generation SL (R129) isn’t exactly the model that sets my heart racing. But after laying eyes on this version, built by Harry Pippard, I’ve had to reconsider.

The foundation here is an SL320, a rare 40th-anniversary Designo edition from 1998. The color is a stunning blend of green and blue, much to my surprise, it’s standard on the Designo edition cars. While the SL’s lines remain intact, Harry has made some subtle tweaks to the bumpers and sideskirts. Everything’s been done by Harry himself, including the paintwork, right from his own garage at home.

Working in collaboration with 6ad Forged, Harry designed the wheels himself. These three-piece wheels come in 18”x9.5j up front and 18”x10.5j at the rear. The inspiration here is pretty clear, taking cues from the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II wheels, giving the car that sought-after OEM+ vibe.