A Beamer lovingly made to outstrip the rest of them
I have driven some really powerful cars during my time as a motoring journalist. I am thinking Jaguar F-Type, Porsche, Alfa and Lexus, to name but a few. These are as sophisticated as they are quick. But sitting next to John Ley strapped in a harness in his BMW is a different experience altogether.
“We grew up in the then Rhodesia and the family moved to South Africa in 1982 so to allow us children to complete our secondary education,” he said.
After completing grade 12, he was conscripted to the SANDF.
Next he joined Toyota to start an apprenticeship.
On completing he worked for a cement company before moving to Barbados.
On his return to South Africa, he initially working for other companies, but in 2011 he decided to establish his own company and focus on generators.
Where does the interest in cars come from?
“I have been racing for a long time. I had a Fiat 131 Racing. There were only 16 in the country at the time (1986) - mine was car number 2. Although it did earn me a couple of trophies and certificates, the racing was truly just for fun. I don’t have the 131 anymore, but I do own a rare track-ready 124 Abarth and a 1983 323 BMW. The Abarth has excellent off-the-line power, but does not really shine at the top end. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 5.8 seconds.”
The BMW has been fitted with a Toyota Supra 2JZ engine and a recent run on the dynamometer registered 1 002hp (about 747kW) and 1 140Nm. “I am currently running at about 400kW (Stage 1) on the rear wheels. Stage 2-3 is really only used on the dynamometer - that power is just too much for road use.”
Ley did most of the work on the Beamer - engine, body and upholstery. The paint work was outsourced to a local supplier.
“It took a solid one year to get the car to where it is now. And no, there is no specific intention to race the Beamer. I will take it out to enjoy the occasional drive.”
The suspension on the Beamer has been widened - stronger drive and side shafts were fitted, because with so much power on tap, these are often the first to go to oblivion when you force-feed the engine. BMW M5 side shafts eventually did the trick.
“I have designed and kitted this BMW according to my style. I love the wide stance, the arches, the striping and the power,” Ley said.
Well, dear reader, the proof of the pudding is always in the eating.
It was time to do that - it was time for him to take me for a drive.
Wow - this BMW is unbelievable. You hear the turbo (currently running at only about at .8 bar), the dump valve follows and then you are sucked into this vortex of infinite forward thrust and power. It is raw, unsophisticated, brutal.
“I would love to show you Stage 2 and 3, but for that we need a racetrack with decent run-off and safety areas,” said Ley.
Hmmmm. Stage 2 and 3 ... that sounds like fun ...