The Tribute 250 SWB Coupé is manufactured by Dorset-based Tribute Automotive, who also provide replica kits for the Kobra, Z300S, ‘D’ Type and several hot-rod body styles. The firm is able to supply completely built cars or provide kits for those wishing to self-build. The current owner chose the latter.
Tribute’s Z3GT – to give it its proper name – is a GRP body conversion kit styled on iconic early 1960’s sports cars.
The kit is based around modern BMW running gear/chassis and, because of these modern underpinnings, it makes it a much more usable classic than the prohibitively expensive cars it seeks to emulate. It retains all of its modern refinements – a proper heater, the factory alarm system, traction control and ABS etc, whilst still feeling very authentic to drive.
The kit provides a straight-forward replacement of body panels and addition of cover panels to a BMW Z3 body shell. The kit can be fitted to any model and any year of the Z3. The conversion retains the full monocoque body shell, running gear, doors and glass of the donor vehicle, with the finished car exempt from IVA testing.
The first keeper of the Z3 donor car took ownership in June, 1999. Prior to becoming a donor car, it continued to be enjoyed by no less than seven additional keepers. The current owner acquired the Z3 a little over two years ago and, around six months and 270 build-hours later, the result is the fine example of a Tribute 250 SW Coupé you see for auction here.
Little is known of the donor car’s history prior to sourcing. However, the Z3 received a comprehensive service of its powertrain and running gear, coupled with a thorough shake-down prior to conversion. In the intervening 18 months the current owner has enjoyed around 1,400 miles in the car. When not out stretching its legs, the car has been dry-garaged.
Given its 22 years and 101k miles on the clock, the interior presents very well with its quilted headlining and matching trimmed door cards, which help to set the scene. The part-electric black leather furniture contrasts the bright exterior colour and, being the original BMW items, means that the driving position is exemplary. It’s a great place to spend some considerable time and thoroughly evokes the 60’s Riviera feel – but without the annoying shakes and rattles!
The sports coupé is finished in striking yellow which sets off the iconic 60’s shape very well. There is a small, finger-nail-sized paint chip near the right front brake air cooling duct (pictured), but aside from that, the car presents in very good condition.
The exterior brightwork is also in very good condition and again, is commensurate with the car’s age and mileage.
Riding as it does on the underpinnings of the equally-iconic BMW Z3 sports car, the Tribute 250 SWB Coupé is said the ‘drive like a dream’ by the current owner, who has enjoyed every one of its +/- 1,400 driven miles since conversion.
It's those modern underpinnings that hold the secret to the combination of everyday usability with genuine sporting ability of the sports car.
While it’s easy to dismiss the driver aids, such as traction control and ABS, the cars sporting and minimalist character shines through, particularly when you take into account the lightness of the GPR body. To put that in context, the kerb weight of the finished Tribute 250 SWB Coupe is around 280kg’s lighter than that of the donor Z3 prior to conversion. Those in the know understand that less weight equals more fun!
The donor car’s 2.8-litre 190bhp straight-six engine is a well-proven and reliable unit with a good reputation. The car runs well with no issues, unwanted noises or evidence of neglect. The physical condition of the engine is good with the owner reporting reliability beyond reproach.
The car is said to start up on the button, with no defects noted and retains the original’s ability to suppress road noise once on the move. The engine is leak-free and reaches temperature as expected, with no reported problems with the cars cooling system. The suspension is said to be free from knocks and the dampers absorb the ride well.
Setting up the car for the accompanying photography, the car sounded in fine fettle and the short-throw five-speed gearbox is said to be a delight when underway.
While compact (as is the BMW way), the engine compartment is tidy as are the under-sills of the body and both doors. A cursory inspection of the underside suggests the running gear to be in sound and in good condition, with no evidential damage.
The panel gaps are very good for a car of this type, and the doors still shut with their nice BMW ‘thunk’. The hood opens and closes with ease thanks to uprated gas struts to support the extra weight of the headlights and grille.
The Tribute Automotive 250 SWB Coupé is a latter-day take on a classic design – it’s a fantastic evocation of 1960’s Coupé supercars, with styling cues from Ferrari, Aston Martin, Pininfarina, Zagato, et al.
To the casual observer, its new owner will be seen as a multi-millionaire. To those in the know, it will be a source of interest and conversation. Its build quality and attention to details mean that you don’t need to mention the F-word, but perhaps revel in its sensible everyday usability, reliability and practicality.
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