BMW 318i Cabrio (E30)(diecast 1:18, Norev)
- BMW 318i Cabrio (E30) (from 1991)
- Norev
- 1:18
- Showcase model / No engine
- diecast
- red
- 183210
- In near mint condition
- Original packaging exists
- Not for sale
BMW E30 Cabriolet as the prototype for the 1/18 miniature
The prototype for this miniature is a BMW 3 Series Cabriolet from the E30 generation, here in a version that can clearly be identified as a two-door cabriolet thanks to the bumpers, headlight layout, and body shape. The model is classified as the BMW E30, second 3 Series generation, built from 1982 to 1994; the factory cabriolet was offered from 1985 to 1993. The vehicle shown in the photos is often referred to as a BMW 318i Cabrio, although the exterior design was very similar across several E30 cabriolet engine versions. A BMW 318i Cabriolet from the E30 generation in its later version got the 1.8-liter inline-four M40 engine with 83 kW, or 113 hp. The engine had a single overhead camshaft, electronic fuel injection, and a timing belt drive. Depending on the model year and transmission, the open E30 could reach around 190 km/h (118 mph). The predecessor of the E30 series was the BMW 3 Series E21 from 1975 to 1983. However, there was no regular BMW factory cabriolet for the E21; there, the Baur-built TopCabriolet played a similar role. The E30’s design was created under BMW chief designer Claus Luthe; the body development and technical layout were handled by BMW’s engineering departments, whose designers among other things implemented the reinforcements needed for a cabriolet in the floor structure, sills, and windshield frame.
Technology and historical background of the BMW E30 Cabriolet
With the BMW 3 Series Cabriolet from the E30 generation, the focus was on combining classic rear-wheel drive, a longitudinally mounted engine, and a balanced weight distribution. Up front, it used independent suspension with MacPherson struts and control arms, while the rear had the E30’s characteristic semi-trailing arm axle. Disc brakes up front and drum or disc brakes at the rear, depending on engine version and model year, were part of the setup. The cabriolet had a multilayer fabric roof with a heated rear window; with the roof closed, you get the clearly defined roofline, while with it open you can see the low, flat body and the tall windshield frame. The model clearly follows the updated E30 front end with large plastic bumpers. The start of E30 production in 1982 can also be placed in context through a few events from that year: the Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom began, the film E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial hit cinemas, and Thriller by Michael Jackson was released. These examples show the technical and cultural world the BMW 3 Series Cabriolet from the E30 generation comes from.
Red Norev model car version in 1/18 scale
The example from Modelly member “neophyte1410” is a model car in 1/18 scale by Norev. The miniature is made from diecast material, meaning it has a body made of die-cast metal plus plastic parts for add-ons, the interior, and lights. At this size, the typical proportions of the BMW 3 Series Cabriolet from the E30 generation are easy to see: long hood, short rear end, split BMW kidney grille, four round headlights, and the narrow side profile with black protective trim. The paint appears in a strong solid red in the photos. It is contrasted by black bumper inserts, a black side molding, a black convertible top cover, and a black interior. The blue-and-white BMW emblem sits on the hood; another brand badge is placed on the grille. The front also wears a German license plate reading “K-HA 1967”. The silver multi-spoke wheels, with their fine structure, fit the E30 era, although it isn’t possible to identify a specific wheel manufacturer or exact wheel type from the images alone.
Details of the open E30 collector model from neophyte1410
As a model car in 1/18 scale by Norev, the miniature shows several features that stand out especially well in a closed diecast model. The roof is shown open, so you can see the two front seats, the rear bench, headrests, dashboard, steering wheel, and the cover behind the rear seats. The glazing includes a clear windshield frame, rearview mirror, and attached wipers. Up front, the separate round headlights are set behind dark surrounds, with indicators, bumper trim, and rectangular fog lights in the lower front section. The body shape is finished off with sculpted wheel arches, door gaps, side mirrors, and the implied fuel filler flap. Especially the mix of red surfaces, black lines, and light-colored wheels gives the BMW 3 Series Cabriolet from the E30 generation a very clean and recognizable look in these photos. For collectors, the visible interior, the realistic open-top setup, and the period-correct front end are the most interesting features of this Norev miniature.
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