Rimac’s E30 Dream

The E30 Legacy

Mate Rimac’s journey to becoming a significant name in electric hypercars began long before his Concept One stole headlines. It all traces back to those early days when he tinkered with a BMW E30 3 Series. Now a household name in the world of automotive innovation, Rimac hasn’t forgotten his roots. Though he’s the brain behind the record-setting Rimac Nevera, it’s that humble E30 that still holds a special place in his heart. Interestingly, his ultimate expression of E30 love isn’t just a homage to electric vehicles but a nod to classic combustion engines with a planned restomod boasting a V10 engine.

Bumpy Beginnings

The tale of Rimac’s transformation from enthusiast to industry leader is compelling. Back in 2008, when the engine of his beloved E30 failed, instead of throwing in the towel, Rimac chose to innovate. At just 20 years old, he swapped out the gas power for electric, a move that laid the foundation for the Rimac Group. Fast forward to today, at just 37, he’s steering both Rimac and Bugatti Rimac. His journey is quite the inspiration, showing that a blown engine can redirect one’s destiny rather than end it.

The Rare M3

For many car enthusiasts, Mate’s 1990 E30 M3 Evolution III represents peak desirability. It’s one of only 600 ever produced, making it an exceedingly rare specimen. Much like other collector’s items such as the rare M30-powered South African 333i, this M3 holds its ground in the pantheon of greats. Modification isn’t in this car’s future, as Rimac plans to preserve its original charm. Instead, the V10 project will likely find a home in another E30 model, preserving the integrity of this collectible at all costs. The speculated engine for this ambitious project could be the S85B50 from the E60 M5 or the E63 M6, known for its high-revving capabilities and keeping with BMW tradition.

Future Plans

The dream of a V10-powered E30 is, for now, just a dream. Rimac is engrossed in his current projects, which include steering his successful automotive brands and possibly exploring ventures like robotaxis. This BMW restomod project is more a notion for his retirement than an imminent project. Patience will be required—as there are no immediate plans on the horizon.