Chapter 3.1: 1980, The Boomslang.
-
1973: Bronx Engineering establishes a new division to focus on Research & Development through motorsport. Bronx Special Technologies, or BST.
-
1975: Bronx Engineering Motor Works, LLC acquires Silver Stone Motors and renames it Silverstone Cars (SSC) under new parent company Bronx Motor Co.
-
1977: The Special Technologies branch of BMC gets involved in GT racing with a factory-backed team, BST.
-
1978: Bronx Special Technologies unveils the Q25J (previously Q25C) engine for FIA Group 3 and 4 specification. D’Avant features one in the homologated Fantome GTO, and it also sees duty in the Taipan (310) GTR, and Mamba (412) GTO. This year, production of the Mamba was terminated.
*Fans of the marque nicknamed the Q25J the ‘BST-1’ as it was the first specialized engine touched by the wizards at Bronx Special Technologies
-
1979: Silverstone Cars releases its first new model in 14 years, now under Bronc Motor Co. ownership. The DeLuxe Sport 6 420GT featured a 4.2L, 330hp V12 from BMC.
-
1980: The car that would cement BMC as a serious contender in the luxury market was unveiled. It was as drivable as a Taipan, and comfortable as a Krait. Practical and affordable was the Boomslang. Some even called it boring, so BMC got to working on that too!
BMC Boomslang 200 '80:
BMC’s first car in 5 years, and their fourth model ever (currently third in production) began to instantly draw domestic eyes away from European marques . The Boomslang was a no-brainer for many middle-class Americans who wanted a fun car with premium build quality without the heft and added cost of feeding a big V8.
Reception:
While generally positive, enough feedback on the car’s lack of power prompted the company to make ammends.
SPECIFICATION:
Engine:
Queens - Q20A/2
2000cc SOCH 16V, all-aluminum Inline-4 (6700RPM)
132hp @ 6600PRM, 119ft-lbs @ 4800RPM
9.0:1 Naturally Aspirated, 86 AKI
Cast steel block internals
Chassis:
Type 214
Corr. Res. Steel panels on Corr. Res. Steel monocoque
Front McPherson Struts
Rear Semi-Trailing Arms
1184KG (55f/45r)
5 seats (2 front, 3 rear)
Tires:
205/60R15
Brakes:
F: 10" vented rotors + 2-piston caliper
R: 8" vented rotors + 1-piston caliper
Gearbox:
Adv. A/T (Standard)
4-Speed M/T (Optional)
Features:
Adv. A/T (Standard), 4-Speed M/T (Optional, $700 discount)
Power-adjustable seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Faux-wood inserts on dashboard
Market Details:
Starting at $21,500 (4-Speed Adv. A/T)
- 4-Speed manual starting at $20,800
Family Sport Premium: 138/92
Fun Premium: 120/84
GT: 109/99
Convertible Sport Budget: 105/54
Sport Budget: 100/58
Family Premium: 100/90
Family Sport:95/70
Family Utility Premium: 91/87
BMC_Boomslang_-200(214)__80.car (35.7 KB)
BMC Boomslang 240 '81:
Just the following year, BMC put a bigger engine with forged pistons and con-rods making 30 more horsepower than the base car.
Reception:
This was better, but was still missing a little something to make it memorable.
SPECIFICATION:
Engine:
Queens - Q25F/2HF
2500cc SOCH 16V, all-aluminum Inline-4 (6500RPM)
165hp @ 6300PRM, 153ft-lbs @ 4000RPM
9.0:1 Naturally Aspirated, 86 AKI
Forged steel block internals
Chassis:
Type 214
Corr. Res. Steel panels on Corr. Res. Steel monocoque
Front McPherson Struts
Rear Semi-Trailing Arms
1192KG (55f/45r)
5 seats (2 front, 3 rear)
Tires:
205/60R15
Brakes:
F: 10" vented rotors + 2-piston caliper
R: 8" vented rotors + 1-piston caliper
Gearbox:
Adv. A/T (Standard)
4-Speed M/T (Optional)
Features:
Adv. A/T (Standard), 4-Speed M/T (Optional, $700 discount)
Power-adjustable seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Faux-wood inserts on dashboard
Market Details:
Starting at $22,000 (4-Speed Adv. A/T)
- 4-Speed manual starting at $21,200
Fun Premium: 125/84
Family Sport:95/70
Family Sport Premium: 95/70
Family Utility Premium: 90/87
Sport Budget: 90/58
Family Premium: 82/91
BMC_Boomslang_-240(214)__81.car (35.4 KB)
BMC Boomslang 240 S '82:
After garnering feedback and track-testing, BMC finally had a sporty trim for their newest model which delivered on thrills… but the best was yet to come.
Reception:
The increase in responsiveness and high-speed stability made the S variant highly desired among enthusiasts.
SPECIFICATION:
Engine:
Queens - Q25F/2HF
2500cc SOCH 16V, all-aluminum Inline-4 (6500RPM)
165hp @ 6300PRM, 153ft-lbs @ 4000RPM
9.0:1 Naturally Aspirated, 86 AKI
Forged steel block internals
Chassis:
Type 214
Corr. Res. Steel panels on Corr. Res. Steel monocoque
Front McPherson Struts
Rear Semi-Trailing Arms
1195KG (55f/45r)
4 seats (2 front, 2 rear)
Tires:
F:205/55R16; R: 225/50R16
Brakes:
F: 11" vented rotors + 2-piston caliper
R: 9" vented rotors + 1-piston caliper
Features:
5-Speed M/T (only option)
Power-adjustable sport bucket leather seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Faux-wood inserts on dashboard
Market Details:
Starting at $25,000 (5-Speed M/T)
Fun Premium: 107/72
Sport Budget: 85/47
Sport: 83/83
Family Premium: 82/91
BMC_Boomslang_-240_S(214)__82.car (37.1 KB)