Restored car wins first place at largest car show competition in Gauteng
The custom-built BMW 325i MEX took many hands, resources and hours to win the first-place hottest ride title.
Warren Daniel, aka Mr Big Bite, and his staff at Big Bite Performance in Mondeor custom-built a BMW 325i MEX for the annual German vs Japan Car Show held at Nasrec Expo Centre.
This year, the competition took place on July 9, and the custom-built car came in hot by winning first place in the hottest ride category.
The event saw thousands showcase their rides, and for competitors and spectators, the highlight was the unveiling of Mr Big Bite’s BMW 325i MEX. The car, a restoration project, was named Lazarus after the Biblical figure miraculously brought back to life by Jesus.
Car specifications
The car was a non-runner, and its parts were replaced with imported BMW original equipment manufacturer parts, an end-to-end Rockford Fosgate sound system and custom 10j wheels.
The crowd went wild seeing the AIRBFT, a complete air suspension with custom fitment by Big Bite Performance. The car boot comprised hand-polished tanks and pipes, and the pipe bending was done in-house.
This was for the air suspension, which was laid on an imported digital glazed large-format tile wrapped in alcantara fabric. To finish it off, this was all surrounded by a sound system. This car is a beauty coated in Ferrari red paint.
The significance
The car won by public vote. Daniel said, “The most significant part of the car winning is the journey from what it used to be to what it is now. The journey of building the car was painstakingly difficult.
For 10 weeks, my team and I worked late nights and early mornings to build it. It is our passion for cars that kept us going during the process.
“I chose this car model because it has always been my childhood dream to build a car like this. Looking back to my former years, my father owned a BMW 325i, and when I was old enough,h I would steal the car keys and take it for a spin, so this specific model has always been special to me because of the reputation the brand and model has.”
Representing Joburg south
Mr Big Bite was honoured by the achievement and representing Johannesburg South, bringing home the title of first place Hottest Ride.
“Winning is surreal, and I am honoured to have won. The people who voted said their support came from following the restoration process, which my team and I documented on all social media platforms.
“I am thankful to everyone who helped support the journey and lent a helping hand wherever they could,” said Mr Big Bite.
The car is on display and open to the public to take photos and videos at Big Bite Performance, 270 Columbine Avenue, Mondeor. It will take the winning podium for one month, then go into storage as the team prepares for another build for German vs Japan 2024.
