Meet the $312,000 Retromod Z4: An Homage to BMW's Iconic 507

In the world of car enthusiasts, few combinations are as tantalizing as modern performance mixed with classic styling. Enter the Tender 5.7, a brilliant creation by the lesser-known German coachbuilder, Estella-Fahrzeugtechnik. Inspired by the legendary BMW 507, the Tender 5.7 melds past and present in a way that could only be dreamt of by true car aficionados.

The actual underpinnings of this retro marvel come from the cutting-edge BMW Z4 Roadster. While nodding to the classic elements of the 507, this retromod is no tribute act; it's a reimagining, punctuated with its own refined flair. Eager buyers will have to part with at least $312,200 to own one of these unique vehicular pieces of art.

Audacious Design Choices

Key to the Tender 5.7's aesthetic is how it updates the memorable design cues of the original BMW 507. The twin grilles receive a contemporary twist, morphing into an artful Salvador Dalí-inspired mustache. This isn't a clone; it’s a vivid reinterpretation.

Gone are the elongated taillights of the 507, now replaced by a modern pair of round taillight housings, ensuring a delicate balance of classic homage and present-day aesthetics. The carbon-fiber body enhances the car's performance chops while exuding a sense of sleek modernity.

Performance Elevated to a New Level

Beneath the elegant exterior lies the beating heart of the BMW Z4 M40i. The modified setup boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six B58B30C engine, originally cranking out a robust 335 hp. However, Estella-Fahrzeugtechnik took it a step further. By fitting a larger turbo, an upgraded downpipe, and a high-performance exhaust system by Bastuck, the Tender 5.7 now easily competes with modern heavyweights like the BMW M4. The result? An eye-watering 500 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.

Further augmentations include an aftermarket intake and charge pipe, and there's likely an ECU tune to harmoniously pull all these enhancements together. To ensure handling matches the power, fully adjustable coilovers have been embedded into the design, complemented by 20-inch Alpina wheels that snugly fit into the car's streamlined, carbon-fiber arches.

Exclusivity at Its Finest

Estella-Fahrzeugtechnik isn’t mass-producing this gem. Only 15 units of the Tender 5.7 will ever roll out of their workshop, each bathed in one of BMW's signature Classic hues. The colors range from 'Tourmaline Violet metallic' paired with cream leather to 'Orient Blue' matched with black leather. Each example will be unique, making every Tender 5.7 a collector's dream.

• Tourmaline Violet metallic with cream leather and purple stitching
• Feather White with red leather and white stitching
• Verde Ermes with grey leather and brown stitching
• Black Piano lacquer with black leather and green stitching
• Impala Brown metallic with cream leather and brown stitching
• Frozen Grey with black leather and red stitching
• Maldives Blue with tan leather and brown stitching
• Ascot Green with brown leather and caramel stitching
• Brilliant Red with cream leather and black stitching
• Steel Blue with mocha leather and caramel stitching
• Estoril Blue with terracotta leather and caramel stitching
• Byzantium metallic with cream leather and black stitching
• Fun Yellow with terracotta leather and dark grey stitching
• Orient Blue with black leather and cream stitching
• Cashmere Beige Silver Gold with black leather and caramel stitching

Inside, expect nothing but elegance. The upholstery is fully retrimmed with quilted leather, and the steering wheel, now proudly badge-less, boasts craftsmanship that speaks volumes about attention to detail. But remember, you might never get a glimpse of this exclusive interior unless you act fast; two of these automotive marvels are already spoken for.

A High Price for Modern Nostalgia

Paying homage to the BMW 507 while infusing it with cutting-edge performance comes at a price. At €288,000 (or approximately $312,200), the Tender 5.7 isn't a toy for everyone. It’s a tribute with modern tuning and an evocative artistic interpretation that not every enthusiast may appreciate. For some, the more authentically styled modern classic BMW Z8 or the gorgeously executed SVE Oletha might strike a more resounding chord.

For those captivated by the legend of the BMW 507, the Tender 5.7 by Estella-Fahrzeugtechnik offers a riveting journey through time, blending the charm of yesteryears with today's cutting-edge technology and design. Though certainly polarizing, its blend of heritage and innovation is bound to make waves in the world of automotive luxury.