Auto mirage Ltd of Blackpool, England, started as a repair and service center doing everything from MOT inspections to dent repair and paint. Throughout the 1990s, the garage started experimenting with side projects that culminated in the production of their own component cars, the CC Zero and CC Cyclone. For the last five years, Auto mirage has been working on a new project, a replica of one of the most elegant designs in automotive history.

The BMW E36 (1990s three series) was chosen as a donor car for rock-solid components and favorable longitudinal engine, rear drive layout. Its 6-cylinder engine, manual transmission and rear axle were fitted into a scratch-built tubular frame with double wishbone suspension and alloy uprights built in-house. A prototype body was built from foam around the chassis. This body allowed Auto mirage to dial in dimensions and construct fiberglass molds. Body number one is currently nearing completion, with stunning paint, wire wheels and trim work. The garage did a nice job dressing up the EFI BMW engine with altered individual intakes and a removal of most plastic components.

We’re impressed with the result of this build. This body shape is one that is rarely replicated to perfection and many disproportionate examples exist, but the Auto mirage car does no injustice to the original. The company believes their finished car will have a power-to-weight ratio close to the original and a similar feel with no ABS or other driving aids. After finishing and dialing in car number one, Auto mirage plans to offer their GT complete or as a component car.