While I recently jumped in on an existing thread (a discussion on the car I purchased – “RHD Inka Coupe auction- England”), I thought I would introduce myself to the forum more generally.
Several weeks ago I purchased at auction, in the UK, an Inka Orange E9. Previously it was owned by the forum handle “The Don”. I’m actually based in Hong Kong, but the car it now garaged in London. While I do travel back occasionally, usually in the summer, a good friend of mine, Ramy will look after the car for me (sort your forum membership Ramy!).
The car was subject to a restoration of sorts from 2014. The shell was acid dipped, seam-welded, lead-loaded, zinc coated and cavities waxoyled. Painted its original colour of Inka Orange, its fitted with a later M30B35 (3.5-litre 635CSi) injection engine mated to a 5-speed manual box with an original sideloader LSD. New fuel tank, re-trimmed recaros from an M635i (I don’t like).
This is our lightly sketched plan (which I’m sure will end up amending – you never know exactly what might turn up) as to what to do to the car.
First and foremost; the panel gaps. Not sure how straightforward they will be to rectify. “Sandhu” kindly recommended Paul Baker Custom Works who I have reached out to.
From there I would like to find a garage, preferable in and around the London area (since Ramy lives in Wimbledon) to undertake some modifications (any suggestions gratefully received). Given the car is already a hop and a skip from standard already, I feel it wouldn’t be sacrosanct to tastefully undertake a little resto-modding as follows:-
To be carried out in parallel - Braking, Wheels and Suspension
Following the successful completion of the above (fingers crossed) we intend to:-
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Years.
Cheers,
David
Several weeks ago I purchased at auction, in the UK, an Inka Orange E9. Previously it was owned by the forum handle “The Don”. I’m actually based in Hong Kong, but the car it now garaged in London. While I do travel back occasionally, usually in the summer, a good friend of mine, Ramy will look after the car for me (sort your forum membership Ramy!).
The car was subject to a restoration of sorts from 2014. The shell was acid dipped, seam-welded, lead-loaded, zinc coated and cavities waxoyled. Painted its original colour of Inka Orange, its fitted with a later M30B35 (3.5-litre 635CSi) injection engine mated to a 5-speed manual box with an original sideloader LSD. New fuel tank, re-trimmed recaros from an M635i (I don’t like).
This is our lightly sketched plan (which I’m sure will end up amending – you never know exactly what might turn up) as to what to do to the car.
First and foremost; the panel gaps. Not sure how straightforward they will be to rectify. “Sandhu” kindly recommended Paul Baker Custom Works who I have reached out to.
From there I would like to find a garage, preferable in and around the London area (since Ramy lives in Wimbledon) to undertake some modifications (any suggestions gratefully received). Given the car is already a hop and a skip from standard already, I feel it wouldn’t be sacrosanct to tastefully undertake a little resto-modding as follows:-
To be carried out in parallel - Braking, Wheels and Suspension
- Currently pulls slightly to the right under braking. To identify solutions to modernise braking system.
- Stiffen suspension (a little) and lower (a touch). A number of potential options but we were thinking to fit coilovers (possibly Gaz Shocks GGA119 with a road biased spring)
- Fit 16” wheels from http://www.alfagiuliashop.eu/
Following the successful completion of the above (fingers crossed) we intend to:-
- Install Scheel 400 seats
- Focus on increasing engine power to around 250+ BHP
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Years.
Cheers,
David
