- Builder transforms vintage 2002s into featherweight carbon rockets priced over $200,000 each.
- Each car features a carbon body, braced chassis, modern suspension, and upgraded powertrains.
- Those who like the vibe can even get parts for their 2002 if they don’t want a complete build.
Love can lead us all to do wild things. In the case of Paul Lefevre, his love of the classic BMW 2002 led him to the creation of an entire restomod company around it. Through his outfit, Son of Cobra, Lefevre will transform an everyday (if they can even be called that) 2002 into a totally bespoke, lightweight, carbon fiber-filled surface-to-surface rocket. His attention to detail might make his baby the next big thing in the classic BMW world.
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These creations might be best described as the answer to a question nobody is asking. What would a BMW’s ultimate driving machine from the 1970s look like if it didn’t have to abide by reasonable cost caps? What type of materials would one use? That’s what we have with the Son of Cobra 2002. A completely bespoke creation meant to modernize bits of the car without losing its spirit.
A Small Operation, By Design
Lefevre keeps production intentionally low. He builds just one or two cars each year, and so far, only five customer cars have made it out of the shop. “I like to provide the donor, so that the customer doesn’t have to hunt for a car and bring me a car that I can’t do anything with.”
“I like to select my customers, too, because there’s a big variety of people out there. And then I feel like my customer is part of the family, and more in a friendly zone than on the business side. The customer and I have a really strong connection to get that car back [to life],” he tells Road & Track. Keeping as much creative control as possible is key here because Lefevre goes all out when it comes to the design.
Carbon, Power, and Precision
His finished 2002s have a complete carbon fiber body. That one modification shaves approximately 450 pounds (200 kg) off the total weight. The chassis gets additional bracing for better handling, driver feedback, and responsiveness. Each car has an upgraded steering rack, pedal box, and engine.
Speaking of the engine, Lefevre allows customers to choose from either a stroked M10 engine, the same sort that the 2002 originally came with, making 180 horsepower (134 kW), or an E30 M3-sourced S14 engine. The former makes at least 192 horsepower (143 kW) but can go well over 200 (149 kW). Essentially, these cars end up with more power, less weight, modern suspension, and a stiffer chassis.
The cabin gets the same attention to detail. Wool square weave carpet accents a carbon fiber dash, along with modern gauges. The carbon fiber roof features exposed weave patterns overhead. Of course, customers can request their own customization here, too.
As one might imagine, hardcore 2002 fans are lining up to buy one, even with a price tag that averages north of $200,000.
Not Just for Full Builds
Perhaps the best part is that those who already have a 2002 don’t have to commit to a bespoke build to benefit. Lefevre offers many parts and pieces in ala carte form. That includes carbon fiber body panels, adjustable control arms, and even some stunning 6061 aluminum door handles. Undoubtedly, this business is a niche one, but for those who love the 2002 like Lefevre does, it’s one they appreciate deeply.
Photos Son of Cobra
