E30 Touring Conversion Possible?

[HamiltonSeth]

Is it possible to do a conversion of a sedan to a touring? I'm sure someone has thought about it. Converting a modded e30 must be easier than federalizing an e30 then modding it. I have been thinking about buying another e30 but really want a touring to add some "utility" to my 911s.

[lambo]

Anything is possible with time and money.

[HamiltonSeth]

Anything is possible with time and money.

Yes, but I wonder if anyone has tackled this or even priced it out. My thought that maybe I could have a roof and windows cut off a touring and ship with the hatch, lights, etc. from an overseas seller. My brother owns a metal fab shop so the build wouldn't bee too much of a hassle.

[Nick_S]

It's possible if you're up to the fab work. In the famous words of Jeremy Clarkson, "how hard can it be?!"

[YosemiteSam]

Actually, the first E30 touring was a sedan converted into a touring by someone at BMW, if I remember correctly he was one of the designers. So yes, it is possible and it has been done.

[LJ851]

Now that it is finally legal to import the early tourings, why would you bother?

[word is bond]

These already a bunch of tourings in the country. I'd imagine it's easier and cheaper to import them, now that some of them are 25+ years old.

The touring story is a neat one. An engineer wanted a little more utility for his family so he converted a sedan, and then presented it to the board. Here's the vid:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF0CUaS0czk

[dereliiict]

Actually, the first E30 touring was a sedan converted into a touring by someone at BMW, if I remember correctly he was one of the designers. So yes, it is possible and it has been done.

Came in here to say this. Put into production relatively unchanged from his design.

[HamiltonSeth]

My understanding is the federalization is time consuming and expensive, plus the car would need to pass smog in CA. I'm not interested in a stock car, want a 24v.

[James Crivellone]

If the touring is 25 years old you can freely import it. Mine is a 1988 and 100% euro spec.. has US plates and I have a US title, completely 100% legal

[HamiltonSeth]

If the touring is 25 years old you can freely import it. Mine is a 1988 and 100% euro spec.. has US plates and I have a US title, completely 100% legal

Did you import the car or purchase it registered?

[damith]

Did you import the car or purchase it registered?

He imported it. There is a detailed thread on this that James did not too long ago.

[Julien]

I'm gonna say nay on the conversion. Just import one thats 25 years old

[HamiltonSeth]

Thanks for the help everyone. I guess I just need to do some homework on an import. If anyone knows of a touring for sale int he states please let me know.

Thanks,
Seth

[mikeedler]

send me a PM, I did the importing of James touring, and just sent another on its way a few weeks ago. The last one was a swapped M30 car.