The Ultimate Guide to Transforming a Found BMW E21 into a Drift Masterpiece
When passion, ingenuity, and sheer will power collide, automotive magic happens. Such is the tale of Koen de Laat, a former BMX enthusiast turned drift aficionado, and his journey with a once-forgotten BMW E21. This is not just a story about reviving a classic; it’s a deep dive into the heart of creativity and mechanical wizardry, crafting a street-legal drift beast from the ground up.
Our story begins in the Netherlands, with Koen, a seasoned BMX rider, crossing the chasm from two wheels to four. His choice of steed for this new adventure was unexpected—a coppery-brown BMW E21, found languishing in the elements, which he acquired for a modest sum of EUR 500. What followed was a labor of love, a testament to Koen's dedication and vision.
Transporting the non-running E21 was the first of many hurdles. With the help of friends, the car was pushed across town to Koen’s garage, where the transformation began in earnest. Initial steps were humble; making the car roadworthy was the priority. However, Koen’s ambition soon outgrew simple repairs.
Inspired by modified JDM cars of the same era, Koen envisaged the E21 not just as a daily driver but as a canvas for his creativity. Early modifications were modest—a bit of lowering, new wheels—but a serious knee injury from BMX riding shifted Koen's focus fully to his budding automotive project.
The interior of the E21 saw substantial upgrades, inspired by the early '80s Corollas modified in Japan. Swapping the driver’s seat for a vintage Recaro LXB recliner and replacing the large factory steering wheel with a smaller, wood-rimmed Momo were only the beginning. The inclusion of a hydraulic handbrake customized to fit the original center console significantly enhanced the BMW's drift capabilities.
Exterior modifications followed, carefully chosen to respect the E21's lineage. A BBS front lip, Zender side skirts, and rear lip complemented the look, but it was the mismatched set of Work Equips wheels that truly set the car off. Employing an old-school trick, Koen reversed the wheel centers to increase the dish without widening them, optimizing the look without compromising functionality given the engine's power.
The original 1.6L engine made way for a more robust 1.8L M10 unit from an E30 3 Series, topped with a Volvo 940 turbocharger—a Frankenstein’s monster of an engine that now pumps out a respectable 180hp. Despite its eclectic components, the setup has proved reliable, tearing up grassroots drift events with aplomb.
Koen’s E21 is a masterclass in how vision, determination, and a bit of elbow grease can turn a forgotten car into a dream ride. This BMW may not win any concours d'elegance, but it stands as a beacon of personal achievement and the joy of street-legal drifting. As Koen and his E21 slide through corners, they don’t just chase the thrill of the drift—they carry the spirit of innovation and the love of the build.