Subtle Perfection: How a Surfboard Shaper Built The Ultimate BMW 2002
The Idea
Crafting a bespoke restomod that seamlessly blends the timeless charm of a classic with modern technology is a rare art, mastered by only a handful of dedicated builders. In the case of this Bristol Gray BMW 2002, that mastery comes not from a traditional automotive specialist, but from a Southern California surfboard shaper—Paul Lefevre, better known as The Son of Cobra. Lefevre is a visionary, whose philosophy aligns perfectly with his humble personality. Instead of chasing attention, Lefevre’s automotive creations speak for themselves, and emphasize subtlety over flashiness. He reshapes and refines the classic design of this 2002 with a handcrafted body made entirely of carbon fiber, a feature most car builders wish to showcase, but Lefevre goes to great lengths to hide. This approach allows the car’s silhouette and proportions to take center stage rather than the material itself, and helps retain the original character of the 2002’s timeless design.
The Process
Lefevre describes the craftsmanship process as addictive, and says “it's not an easy thing, if you want to do it right, it's very challenging sometimes, but it's fun.” Born and raised in Normandy France in a time before Youtube, Lefevre was forced to master his craft by sticking to his original vision, and learning from mistakes to create simple but refined products that embody the term “quality over quantity.” In an interview with Larry Chen for Hagerty, he spoke briefly about his surfboard shaping process, describing how instead of coming up with new designs each year, he has opted to make small but noticeable changes to a handful of original designs. Why fix what isn't broken when you can perfect a successful design by refining it over time? The same goes for his handmade restomods, which are stripped down to their core and fitted with entirely new body panels, suspension, and powertrain, all while preserving the original characteristics and styling that made the BMW 2002 a legend.
The Result
Peering through the window of the Son of Cobra Bristol Commission, you'll spot an analog gauge cluster and dashboard that looks original but is actually sculpted entirely from carbon fiber, weighing in at less than four pounds. Pop the hood, and you’ll begin to notice what makes this 2002 different, starting with the hood itself, which hides its lightweight construction behind a layer of paint on the outside, but shamelessly showcases its carbon fiber weave on the underside. Instead of cramming a modern inline 6 into the engine bay, Lefevre has opted to simplify and refine a period correct engine, and scoot it back two inches, to further improve the already impressive balance of the BMW 2002. Instead of a rat's nest of vacuum lines and sensors, the engine has been reduced to valve cover, headers, and an intake that is as beautiful as it is functional. The end result is a fully custom restomod which showcases the full potential of a 2002, and simultaneously puts a smile on the face of a purist.