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- V8-Swapped BMW Touring: Who Needs an M3?
V8-Swapped BMW Touring: Who Needs an M3?
PLUS: Inside the story of a jaw-dropping Singer 911 build—one of the most stunning creations yet, but why did the original owner let it go?
The Daily Vroom
Good morning, Vroomers!
A warm welcome to our new readers. The month is off to a sluggish start, with several of the smaller platforms facing challenges in moving inventory. It’s not quite time to sound the alarm, but if this trend continues, you can bet there will be some Stellantis-style strategizing on their next moves. Stay tuned!
YESTERDAY’S TOP 5 SALES
Want to dive deeper into any of these listings? Just click on the car to take you directly to the listing.
A frequent request we’ve received is to share historical pricing for each model. To address this, we’ve added the last five auction results (where applicable) under each listing, giving you a glimpse into the pricing trends for that specific model.
Sale of the Day
Every now and then, a car comes along that just makes you smile at the sheer creativity—and this 1997 BMW 320i Touring is a perfect example. This Euro-spec E36 wagon, which was never officially sold in the U.S., has been transformed into something truly special with a 3.5-liter M62B35 V8 swap and a 5-speed manual transmission. It’s the kind of car that makes you think, “Who needs an M3 when you’ve got this?”
The mods go beyond the powertrain. From the Alpina front lip and 18-inch Style 32 wheels to the M3 "Vader" seats and aftermarket exhaust, this Touring has personality in spades. Sure, it has a few flaws—some rust here, some cracked paint there—but at $15,500, it’s hard to argue with the value.
This BMW is a testament to the fun and creativity that can come from a custom build. Whoever took it home scored not just a car, but a conversation starter, a weekend cruiser, and a reminder of why we love the enthusiast community.
Auctions To Keep An Eye On
Scrolling through hundreds of car listings every day, it takes something truly special to make me stop mid-scroll. This Singer 911, it didn’t just make me stop—it made me stare.
The paint-to-sample blue, the Rosso Mugello accents, and that Ed Pink-built 4.0L flat-six—it’s perfection on four wheels. Every inch of it feels like a love letter to driving.
But let’s talk about the puzzling part. After pouring what must have been years and a small fortune into this build, the owner drives it just 68 miles and flips it to a dealer? Sure, we don’t know the full story, but it’s a little wild to imagine. Maybe they loved the build more than the car. Maybe they wanted the thrill of the process without the commitment to the result. Who knows?
What we do know is that bidding is already at $450k, and there’s no doubt this is headed into seven-figure territory. Whether it lands in someone’s collection or out on the road where it belongs, this is the kind of car that stops you in your tracks. A Singer 911 isn’t just a car—it’s an event.
Alright, here we have a 2019 McLaren Senna XP—#1 of just 10 factory prototypes. It’s all carbon fiber, outrageous aero, and a twin-turbo V8 throwing down 789 horsepower.
The spec is undeniably impressive, with Victory Grey and McLaren Orange accents mirroring the Geneva show car. Interestingly, this exact car was on the block back in 2022 and didn’t sell. Now it’s back for a 21-day auction—quite the stretch for a listing, but we’ll see if that strategy pays off. Honestly, these hypercars aren’t really my thing. They’re technical marvels, sure, but they often end up as garage queens or art pieces. Let’s see if someone bites this time.
Let’s end with a super cool one. Here’s a hot hatch that checks all the right boxes for anyone who loves fun, quirky cars with serious performance chops. This 1987 Volkswagen Golf GTI started life as a European-market Mk2, but it’s now rocking a 2.8L VR6 swap under the hood and a 5-speed manual transmission. If you’ve ever wondered what a European GTI with U.S. papers looks like, this is it.
Finished in Tornado Red, the car keeps that classic '80s VW look but spices it up with yellow headlights, a body kit, and 16-inch BBS wheels. Inside, the MOMO steering wheel and Pioneer sound system give it a modern enthusiast vibe. While there are some flaws—a bit of overspray, some scratches, and a tired A/C system—it’s all part of the charm for a car like this.
The best part is this GTI is a blast to drive. The VR6 engine gives it serious punch, and with the 5-speed manual, you’re in full control of all the fun. At no reserve, it’s a lot of car for the money it looks as though fetching. This is a rare and super cool find that combines European flair with U.S. practicality. Whoever wins this will have something truly unique.
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