Have you ever wondered what becomes of the stunning display cars showcased at the annual SEMA show once the event concludes? The prevailing belief, as indicated by social media, is that they are either sold or dismantled. For Marvin Fonacier, however, revealing a build under the vibrant lights of Las Vegas is only the beginning of his automotive journey.
E31 Coupe Dreamin’:
Renowned for his presence in the Toyo Treadpass section at SEMA, Marvin, a seasoned participant, holds a particular affinity for BMWs. While his widebody E24 made waves in 2019, the E31 chassis had always lingered in his mind. “I just couldn’t find a clean one that was in good running condition,” he shares. However, during the peak of the pandemic, the used car market presented an opportunity, leading Marvin to a 1995 850Ci on the East Coast.
Sleek Coupe Bulks Up:
Swiftly contacting Pandem of Japan, Marvin ordered their groundbreaking widebody aero kit for the coupe, setting the stage for the very first complete E31 conversion. Nervous yet grateful for the opportunity, Marvin named it ‘project one of none,’ debuting the build at SEMA 2021. The 90-day project featured Pandem’s distinct flared arches, a Midnight Metallic Blue paint job, bronze wheels, and a Grinds air suspension setup.
This E31 Has The Meats:
Opting for a unique approach, Marvin retained the original BMW seats but adorned them with bright red leather and Alcantara. The interior features a mix of modern elements, such as a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a nostalgic touch with a ’90s BMW car phone. Engine-wise, the V12 received enhancements with SuperSprint headers and exhaust, coupled with a Wokke chip upgrade.
Now Touring:
Marvin’s admiration for the E36 Touring wagon led him to a spontaneous bid on Bring A Trailer in 2022, resulting in the acquisition of the German import eligible for registration in the U.S. Transforming it into the M3 wagon that BMW never made, Marvin performed an S54 engine swap, coupled with Getrag 420g manual transmission, Turner CSL airbox, and Radium Engineering components.
Making It All Work:
Facing the absence of a Pandem kit for the E36 Touring, Marvin, with the help of Smoke Dogg Customs, adapted the two-door coupe kit for the four-door wagon. Custom three-piece Hartge wheels, Prazis air suspension, and a unique Avus Blue coat brought the wagon to life. The interior boasts a custom eight-point roll cage, Recaro seats with rare Boa Boa fabric, and meticulous attention to detail.
Last Minute Stitches:
With the showpiece now enjoying life beyond the SEMA spotlight, Marvin’s meticulous approach continues. The installation of Recaro seats involved a unique twist – transferring the rare Boa Boa fabric from OEM seats. An Mtechnic2 Alcantara steering wheel, Z3M S54 gauge cluster, and RTD short shifter add finishing touches to the interior.
Conclusion:
Several months post-SEMA, Marvin’s duo, the E31 coupe, and the E36 Touring wagon, remain integral parts of his automotive journey. With plans for dyno tuning and track enjoyment, these SEMA stars are not up for sale or part-out.
