For many years LMJ Design has provided design ideas both for car companies (like Fitz) as well as private customers that wants their own rides personalized. Sometimes they also have made some concept cars on their own, even though LMJ never has been, and never will be, a full scale automobile maker (even though some prototypes may be driveable).
(OOC Sidenote: if you want to see what LMJ design can make with a ride of yours, feel free to PM me, I will only work on it if and when I have time, and I don’t promise that I will either start or finish on it, because personal reasons might come in the way. Just a warning.)
An Australian customer wanted an update on his old Leyland P76. Since he liked muscle cars, we went for that theme. The modified grille, the split bumper, the front spoiler, and the hood scoops all contributed to that look. The blackout headlights are a more modern touch, but they did fit the aggressive theme.
Some genuine split wheels, and retro touches like the bullet mirrors, flip up style “skyport” sunroof and rear window louvers enhanced the look even more, as well as a subtle fender vent.
A custom rear pan under the bumper, and taillights from a 1967 Pontiac GTO further enhanced the look. The car then was finished of in a bright red colour with a little dash of gold pearl in it.
A customer wanted a remake of his trusty old Renault 5. Our concept was this - The LeCabrio. The convertible conversion was maybe the most obvious change. But hidden headlights, shaved bumpers and hood bulges were other touches added to the car.
The Cadillac-esque rear, paired with genuine wire wheels and a pearlescent version of the classic “French blue” paint made this compact hatchback into a mini luxury car.
In 2000, LMJ Design shown off their “Sandfrog” concept car. It was never intended to be anything that should ever be put into production, just a fun, retro styled concept that should be taken light-heartedly.
That, by no means, meant that the Sandfrog wasn’t a real car. It was fully driveable, thanks to a 499 cc, 17.6 hp inline 3-cylinder, placed under the rear seat. Power was transferred via a 3 speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels.
The Sandfrog was built on a “skeleton” of galvanized square tubing, with the actual body panels made of fiberglass. For a more interesting look, some of them were clad with green canvas instead of being painted.
318iS E21? Such a car never existed, right? That’s correct, but this modern take on the Baur targa conversions on the BMW E21 took its drivetrain from an E30 318iS, a car that wasn’t called “the baby brother of the M3” for nothing.
Originally being a single headlight 316, it got a twin headlight grille from a 323, with some added spice with yellow tint on the inner pair of headlights. A subtle front spoiler and sideskirts both adds to the look and high speed stability. Flared arches (all metalwork, no fiberglass) means that wide 16" wheels now fits like a glove. With crystal clear indicators, flush type door handles, a “heckblende” in the rear, bullet type mirrors and a racing fuel cap, it is a tasteful mix of classic and modern design elements. Of course, the most obvious thing is that we replicated the classic targa conversion, originally done by Baur.
The dashboard of the E21 was an iconic piece of design with its curved centre console that made it a pioneer in driver’s ergonomics back in the day. That’s why we only updated it instead of replacing it. But it got 4 bucket seats, upholstered in red leather, as well as a red dye on the carpet, seatbelts and door panels, a great match to the pearlescent white paint. Mahogany steering wheel and gearknob, touchscreen infotainment and pop-out type cupholders are all updates that enhances the experience of this classic BMW, without spoiling it.
Originally, the Wooster was actually a 1951 Renwoo Merci, even if it was a bit hard to believe that, if it wasn’t for the front end still being somewhat true to the original.
An all new space frame chassis was built for the car, and the heavily modified, speedster-esque body was made out of carbon fiber. Everything was done in the name of weight savings and there is not one unnecessary part on this car. Even the lights are as minimalist as they could get, with modern led/projector units built into small separate housings.
The engine is a Triumph Speed triple 1200RS, of course keeping its six speed gearbox, it has double wishbone suspension all around, ventilated disc brakes and the 16 inch magnesium wheels are clad with sticky semi slicks. It was capable of a 215 km/h top speed, 0-100 was done in 4.35 seconds, 80-120 in 2.12, quartermile in 12.51, it could corner 1.19 Gs, and braked from 100 to 0 in 32.1 metres.
