Bertini GT25 - new Z3 body change kitcar

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

There have been a few developments:
Firstly there is another article - this time in TKC magazine (Total Kit Car). This one is an online article - but they want to do a print feature when its finished :-)
here is the link to the online article:

http://www.totalkitcar.com/2013/08/29/italian-exotica/

Kit development wise the first moulding is out of the mould and the underskin is being developed and fixed to allow easy installation of lights and grills + easy fitment of the bonnet to the existing hinges.
i have my Z3 back from the local BMW specialists DM WORX - i have had Bilstein Shocks, Eibach Springs and poly bushes fitted. Plus many worn suspension parts replaced.
Also had the wheels fitted balanced and tracking adjusted - it now sits 30mm lower and you can really notice the difference in the cornering.

Here is a picture of the new wheels fitted to my Z3.

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Bertini GT25 - Kitcar based on the BMW Z3 and Z3M roadster
https://www.facebook.com/BertiniGT25
Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

Things have slowed up a bit. But should have the front end finished (pre-paint) by mid October. Then work will start on the rear towards the end of November.
Here is a flavour of what the front will look like with the grills fitted.

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Bertini GT25 - Kitcar based on the BMW Z3 and Z3M roadster
https://www.facebook.com/BertiniGT25
Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

I have just got the badge that I designed back from the manufacturers in China. I'm really happy with the quality :-)

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Southernboy
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Southernboy »

......think you need more front headlights..???
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Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

Interesting.
It kinda makes it a bit more modern looking. But i think I prefer the more classic minimalist look.
When it comes to painting the car there is a nice lip around the main headlights which I plan to cour code to the lights in either silver or black depending on the light units used. This should give the illusion of slightly larger main lights.
Bertini GT25 - Kitcar based on the BMW Z3 and Z3M roadster
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Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

Here is the latest update of the work that's going on the rear.

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Bertini GT25 - Kitcar based on the BMW Z3 and Z3M roadster
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OXO
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by OXO »

Looks promising. I hope the boot lid will fair in smoothly, or are you replacing that too?

The badge looks a bit odd perched on the edge there.

Like the triangular exhaust outlet :D
Pierrick
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Pierrick »

I just discovered this post.

I really like the back... but not really the front! Anyway, I think people buy a Z3 because it looks good and it has a classic feeling to it! And if I'm right, when BMW choose to sell this car they wanted to recreate the feeling of the british cars of the 60's and 70's.

So here is my question, why did you choose the Z3 as a base? I'm sure there is many cars around who don't looks that good and it might be easier to sell a "new body" to fit on them?

Just a thought!
swamper
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by swamper »

boxster rear?
the badness makes me do it...!

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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Kornknarr »

It's a very interesting thread. Nice to follow and it'll be very interesting to see the end result!
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Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

Oxo
The picture is the beginnings of the plug which the rear mould will be taken from. The next stage is to smooth off all the panels and fill in the gaps. Thus makes sure everything lines up and will fit correctly. I hope to post a few more pictures when the plug is finished ready for the moulding to be made.


Pierick

The reason I chose a Z3 is because they have a nice basic shape, good interior, a range of strong engines and are not too expensive to buy.
I like the styling of the original Z3 but many don't. So I am hoping enough people will either buy a Z3 specifically to make into a Bertini or few existing Z3 drivers might fancy a change.
Bertini GT25 - Kitcar based on the BMW Z3 and Z3M roadster
https://www.facebook.com/BertiniGT25
Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

I have just had a shed load if Bertini badges delivered from China (300 to be exact!)

Now I just need to sell 150 kits lol ;-)

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Bertini GT25 - Kitcar based on the BMW Z3 and Z3M roadster
https://www.facebook.com/BertiniGT25
Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

The rear is now filled smoothed and ready to have the moulds and mouldings made.
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ajones13
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by ajones13 »

A little reminiscent of a Z8 at the back? Is the back straight or is it just the angle of the pictures?
Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

Yep. The back is straight. :-) must just be the angle.

Here is a Bertini GT25 article in the news section from the November issue of KITCAR magazine.
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Bertini GT25 - Kitcar based on the BMW Z3 and Z3M roadster
https://www.facebook.com/BertiniGT25
Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

I have had some key rings made. I intend to include a key ring with each kit. I'm a bit of fan of the little details
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Boysie
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Boysie »

A very nice touch :)
Ray

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Brian H
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Brian H »

Agree nice little touch, you could maybe have the kit number engraved on the back, this would make it/them unique to that car. :)
gas guzzler
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by gas guzzler »

Any idea how long before you have a finished car to show, waiting with some intrest for final look and cost.
Andy
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Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

That's a great idea on the engraving.... It will help make each kit unique. Act a bit like proof it's an original kit, plus a talking point for owners :-) instead of just an afterthought.

The first car should be finished mid February. Then I'm planning on putting a press release together, launching the website. Getting pro shots done and features in the kitcar magazines.

The launch WILL be on the first bank holiday Sunday/Monday in May at the kitcar show at stoneleigh.
I'm still not 100% sure on the price. But it won't be too much.
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Boysie
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Boysie »

Choc wrote:I'm still not 100% sure on the price. But it won't be too much.
That's got to be difficult one to price, on any new project the first one always takes longer to do

Is that Stoneleigh up north as I have a Stoneleigh down south
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Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

The national kitcar show is at stoneleigh in Warwickshire. Near Coventry.
It's the biggest kitcar show in the world covering 3 large exhibition halls and loads of clubs in the outside show areas.
It's held every year on the first bank holiday weekend in May. On the Sunday and Monday I think.
It's a really good day out.
Lots of club members like Westfield, cobra replicas and ferrari's etc usually camp over night.

Defiantly worth the drive up :-)
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Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

With the front mold completed and the first molding made from that mold. We have now moved onto the rear.
This is a progress shot of the construction of the rear mold. It's nice and thick and constructed such that when the moldings are taken from it the one piece rear will include the rear light mountings and the boot lid returns to reuse the existing boot rubbers.
We should have the first molding made from this mold just after Christmas.

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amancuso
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by amancuso »

Choc wrote:Yep. The back is straight. :-) must just be the angle.

Here is a Bertini GT25 article in the news section from the November issue of KITCAR magazine.
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Nice work, however the article writer's not too kind to our beloved Z3's calling them "dated."
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Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

Things are moving along quite quickly now. There has been a news article in KIT CAR BUILDER magazine in USA and also the first rear moulding has been produced. I expect to start fitting them to the actual car early in January.
Then it's just a boot lid, mini front wings, bonnet light brackets and under skin.

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t-tony
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by t-tony »

Any chance of an appearance at the Kit Car show at Newark showground? This usually around the same time of year.
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Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

I hope to go to all the kitcar shows next year.

These include:

Stoneleigh - 4th/5th May LAUNCH
Newark - mid June
Donnington - 24th/25th aug
Malvern 25th/26th oct

Detling - April. (Possible per launch preview)

It's going to be an exciting year!
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Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

Here is a hint of what the prospective Bertini Fastback coupe lines might look like. The fastback should share all the body panels with the roadster except the boot lid. This will mean roadster customers could convert their car to a fastback at a later date.

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the_youth
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by the_youth »

I've been following and looking forward to seeing the end result.

1 question though: as you are clearly a pro at this, have you ever considered creating a mould for a Z3 hardtop? Something like a weisman speedster look? I'm sure there are several people here who'd rip your arm off for 1......


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Boysie
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Boysie »

the_youth wrote:1 question though: as you are clearly a pro at this, have you ever considered creating a mould for a Z3 hardtop? Something like a weisman speedster look? I'm sure there are several people here who'd rip your arm off for 1......
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I have tried Googling this, but no pictures have come up
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the_youth
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by the_youth »

Meant Hamann
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Though I think Weismann did one but is pretty similar to OEM....


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Southernboy
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Southernboy »

I just wish a certain member on this forum would loan me his Hamann H/Top for a few weeks....We could all have Hamann H/tops within 6 months at 1/2 the price or less... :D
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gookah
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by gookah »

Southernboy wrote:I just wish a certain member on this forum would loan me his Hamann H/Top for a few weeks....We could all have Hamann H/tops within 6 months at 1/2 the price or less... :D

but then they wouldnt be exclusive, and he has paid top price just for everyone else to benefit....You need to at least pay him..
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the_youth
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by the_youth »

I'm sure a royalty cut from every unit sold would be welcome........ :)


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Southernboy
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Southernboy »

...details, details....sell 10 units and it'll pay him back the cost of the one he bought... :wink:
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Choc
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

I want to develop a Bertini Hardtop that will fit the original Z3 too.
It will be similar to the hamann one with the fast back and smaller window.
It prob will not have the bumps on the roof. Possibly more like waves seen on the peugeot RZ coupe thing.

Unfortunatly this will be a development after the roadster and fastbacks are finished.
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by littlefeller »

this is interesting, one of the considerations I made when buying my z was the thought that once it had exhausted its useful life it would be a good donor for a kit car. but by then they will be real cheap anyhow. though my thoughts were not to rebody the car but instead build a lotus 7 style roadster. the rebody idea is interesting though, will keep an eye on this. good work :) some will be horrified at what your doing but it is after all just a car.
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Gazza
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Gazza »

There is a Lotus 7 style kit out there that uses E36 parts, It was at Gaydon 2012
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stupot50
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by stupot50 »

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Boysie
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Boysie »

stupot50 wrote:Anyone seen this one before?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tribute-Autom ... 1024285403
I quite like that
when the paint is done it will look good
it is different, nice curves :lol:
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by littlefeller »

just a thought, but are wide body/narrow body the same underneath?
gookah
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by gookah »

stupot50 wrote:Anyone seen this one before?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tribute-Autom ... 1024285403

Holy thread hijack Batman..... :D
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I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

I am pretty excited now as the rear moulding is fitted to the back of the actual first Bertini car.
I have a few pictures and a video of the moulding going on.
I am really happy as the door gaps look just as good as the original car.
Here is a link to the video which is on my Bertini GT25 facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=65 ... =2&theater

and here are a few pictures:

Image

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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

I have just got some fiat 500 arbarth xenons and i thought i would photoshop them onto an old progress picture with some grills and a different wheel.
I cant wait to get them fitted to the car when i comes back from the paint shop at the end of next week.

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Captain
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Captain »

Looking forward to the end result.
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CMullins
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by CMullins »

Only just seen this, some great work, cant wait to see the end result.

Followed on Facebook as I dont get here often!
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

I have just got the Bertini polo shirts and caps delivered. I'm really happy with the quality of the embroidery.
I know its only a little thing, but I really like the little details.
I'm looking forward to wearing them at the stoneleigh kitcar show.

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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Choc »

Its not long now until i get the first Bertini GT25 back from the paintshop. A bit of tweaking was needed, but thats what the prototypes are for.
The car comes back on thursday - so next step is for me to choose the exhaust for the first car.
My intention is to leave the rear diffuser uncut when a customer takes their order so they can choose the style of exhaust they have fabricated.

here are a few options i have been thinking of. What do you guys think.

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Southernboy
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Southernboy »

1st or last one...center pipes just don't look the part... :wink:
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Brian H
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Re: Bertini Falco - new Z3 body change kitcar

Post by Brian H »

pic 3 for me :)
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