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WATCH | Unseen footage of SA's ultra-rare BMW 333i and 325iS legends

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Image: Ernest Page
Image: Ernest Page
Ernest Page

Recently BMW South Africa embarked on an ambitious journey to restore some of their old collectable cars. First the incredibly rare M1 coupe, then the South Africa-only 333i, complete with its 733i BMW engine.

Ernest Page says: "The last completed project was the legendary 145kW 325is EVO1, made famous in the 90's with dominating performances in the local Group N series. Driven by household names like Robbie Smith and Deon Joubert, the car still to this day evokes many fond South African memories and is a true testament to what we as South Africans can achieve on our own.

The SA-only car became a cult classic. From those that bought them brand new to kids now buying an E30 as a first car, the E30 story rings true for most of us. 


In a tragic turn of events, the car was written off in a freak accident after it had just performed to a group of enthralled BMW staff members.

Ernest Page from Performance with Page recently uncovered some old footage of that specific BMW SA 325is. This never before seen footage, shows the car in its full form, perfectly restored and driven through the streets of South Africa.

Wheels24's Janine Van der Post also drove the legendary 'Beemer' models and reflects on the iconic cars:

Like any enthusiast who loves cars, there are a few particular models that are really special.

There are two models (two of many others) that make my heart skip a beat. Cars that we have all grown up idolising and dreaming about at some point or another. 

Two cars that define people like you and I: the E30 Gusheshe, better known as the 325 iS, and the 'Trip3', better known as the 333i.

People like us? Yes, car people, petrolkoppe, enthusiasts, eKasi or Cape Town petrolheads.



It makes me think back to when I was a little girl who really loved cars before she even understood it. When my father and my older cousins tinkered away on cars in the back yard, when they spoke about all things motoring, I just absorbed it all. How it would stir the petrol in my veins and steer my path.

The BMW EE30 333i and 325iS embodies all of that. I might have only driven both models for the first time in 2018, but it's been the kind of magnificent cars that have imprinted on my soul.

 

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