Speedy Gullwing Bimmer, Previously Owned by World's Fastest Man, Is For Sale
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Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is the fastest man alive—if not the speediest human being in history. After earning three gold medals in the 2016 Rio games, his career tally is nine Olympic golds, on top of his 11 world championships. Bolt, who turns 30 in August, has dominated the 100-meter and 200-meter events for the past decade. He now heads to the 2017 world championships in London, after which he plans to retire.
Autographed photograph of Usain Bolt
The 6’5” Bolt is also famous for his post-race winner’s posture—both index fingers pointing to the sky with his arms positioned as if pulling back an arrow on a bow. The Jamaican repeatedly proves that going fast, attitude, and looking cool can be combined into a single package.
With that in mind, one of Bolt’s sponsors gifted him this souped-up 2010 BMW 335i, which is now being auctioned by the current owner, who bought it in 2014. The powerful flared-nostril 335i with six-speed manual shifting already boasted 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque—and a 0-60 sprint time of about 4.7 seconds. The M Sports Package tweaks the suspension and aerodynamics, and plays with the speed limiter for top-end performance.
The right-hand-drive Bimmer was also modded with BMW’s performance kit to tune the software, throttle calibration, and engine air intake. This pushes the 335i acceleration to Bolt-like levels, adding about 20 more ponies and about 17 additional pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to shave a few tenths of a second off 60-mph-sprints—a fitting modification for the vehicle given to Bolt to celebrate his 200-meter world record of 19.19 seconds at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. The custom badge on the trunk displays this record time.
The most dramatic visual modification to the 3-Series M is the addition of gullwing doors. You might expect to see gullwing doors (also called butterfly, scissors, or falcon doors depending on the exact design) on a Lamborghini or Mercedes SL—or for that matter, a DeLorean - opens in new window or tab., Bricklin - opens in new window or tab., or the Tesla Model X - opens in new window or tab. all-electric SUV. Don't get too jealous: you can add doors that swing up rather than out to your ride, virtually any car from a Chevy Camaro to a Smart ForTwo, with one of several so-called Lambo door kits available on eBay Motors - opens in new window or tab..
Vertical door kits replace the door hinges, not the doors, which will open about a foot before lifting vertically. For most cars, installation is simple—although commonly requires removing front bumpers and fenders before putting in the new hinges. Kits can either be universal or model-specific, come in a range of colors, and some provide shocks and gas-charged struts. In some cases, welding and drilling is required.
Other visual enhancements to the Bolt Bimmer - opens in new window or tab.—garaged in Kingston, Jamaica—include a gorgeous red-leather interior, complete with custom floor mats and a headrests adorned with UB initials and a lightning bolt design.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.