Retro Racing Reborn

LM Coupe Overview

The name Shoreline Bespoke might not ring any bells yet, but founding engineers Spencer Beckman and Kyle Krueger have sparked curiosity with their newly unveiled LM Coupe. Crafted in California, the LM Coupe promises to buck the trend of heavy, complicated automobiles with its lightweight design and classic aesthetics inspired by the legendary Porsche 906 racing car. Yet, despite its vintage flair, the car is anything but outdated, featuring cutting-edge technology and a spirit to match.

Power and Design

At the heart of this sleek machine lies a truly unique powerhouse: a 1.65-liter straight-six engine, derived from BMW’s K1600 motorcycle engine and reimagined by the wizards at Ed Pink. Packing an impressive 250 horsepower and capable of revving up to a dizzying 10,000 rpm, the engine’s prowess is matched by its modest size — a feat of engineering excellence that prioritizes driving exhilaration over brute force.

Supporting this mighty little engine is a hand-built tubular steel frame that incorporates an adjustable double-wishbone suspension and AP Racing brakes. These elements ensure that the road-hugging dynamics are exceptionally nimble, a characteristic emphasized by its feather-light weight of just around 1,400 pounds. To put it in perspective, that’s nearly half the weight of the Mazda Miata.

Driving Experience

What sets the LM Coupe apart is its embodiment of raw driving enjoyment without excess frills. Forget about today’s overloaded dashboards; the LM Coupe offers an interior reminiscent of racing prototypes, with fixed carbon fiber bucket seats, an adjustable pedal box, and a steering wheel maintained in pure simplicity. Instead of an infotainment system, there’s simply a magnetic phone holder — that’s it, just what is needed, and nothing more.

For those who appreciate a more connected driving experience, the choice of a sequential gearbox with a clutch pedal is unconventional yet fitting, promising crisp shifts and direct response. This setup is not just about nostalgia but about creating a bond between the car and driver, something often lost in modern cars. Driving the LM Coupe feels like a stark contrast to today’s plug-and-play vehicles, where every movement is a conversation with the road.

Future Plans

With a price tag approaching $500,000, the LM Coupe isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. Shoreline Bespoke plans to present this finely-tuned sculpture at Monterey Car Week, aiming for delivery to eager enthusiasts by late 2026. In the arena of high-performance cars, the LM Coupe might just be the antidote for those yearning for vehicles that channel the driving purity of the past with all the assurance that modern engineering provides.

For now, much anticipation remains around the LM Coupe. Will it live up to its potential on the tarmac, providing the thrill that makes a driver’s foot itch on the pedal? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Shoreline Bespoke’s first foray into automotive manufacturing is bold, fresh, and reminds us all of what spirited driving truly means.