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Italian Firm Riverti Develops Retro BMW M2 Restomod Inspired by 3.0 CSL
Riverti Automobili is developing an M2-based restomod with all-new bodywork that evokes classic BMW design, including E30-style front end and four round taillights. A disguised prototype recently appeared at the Tutto Bene Hillclimb in Italy.
By Charlotte Redford · 5 min read
A small Italian restomod specialist called Riverti Automobili is developing a heavily reworked version of the BMW M2 that aims to give the modern sports coupe a classic edge. The new model, teased through several social media posts and previewed as a disguised prototype at the recent Tutto Bene Hillclimb in Italy, is based on the current M2 but looks almost nothing like it.
Riverti has engineered all-new body panels for the two-door coupe to give it retro flair inspired by the iconic BMW 3.0 CSL from the 1970s. At the front, the car features four circular headlights reminiscent of some of BMW's most celebrated models, along with a set of small kidney grilles and new air intakes. The prototype also wears tightly-spoked, BBS-inspired wheels and a bespoke hood.
Along the sides, key features include large air intakes positioned just behind the doors and custom side skirts. The rear quarter panels are particularly striking, with flared fenders, a large fixed spoiler, and distinctive taillights that echo classic BMW design cues. The overall effect is a modern M2 transformed into a retro-themed machine that pays homage to the marque's heritage.
The Italian firm has not said whether it has made any changes under the skin of the M2. Factory models are powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six producing 473 hp and 443 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. Given that the restomod will inevitably command a high price, it would not be surprising if Riverti has tinkered with the powertrain, perhaps to deliver a figure closer to the CS's 523 hp. No images of the car's interior have been released yet, so it remains unclear whether the cabin will be modified as extensively as the exterior.
The project reflects a growing appetite among enthusiasts for restomods that blend modern performance with classic aesthetics. The current M2 is widely praised for its driving dynamics, but its styling has divided opinion. Riverti's approach appears to address that by wrapping the M2's mechanical package in bodywork that recalls BMW's golden era. The car was previewed at the Tutto Bene Hillclimb, an Italian event that attracts a variety of performance and classic machines, suggesting the project is nearing a more complete reveal.
Riverti Automobili is a relatively new name in the restomod scene, but its first major project has already generated attention online. The company has used social media to build anticipation, releasing teaser images that highlight the car's retro-inspired details. While full specifications and pricing remain under wraps, the firm has indicated that more information will be available soon. For now, the disguised prototype offers the clearest indication yet of what a classic-flavoured M2 could look like.
The BMW M2 itself is a seriously impressive car to drive, although it is certainly not the prettiest BMW currently on offer. Riverti's solution is to solve that perceived shortcoming by developing an M2-based model with styling inspired by the 3.0 CSL. The new model looks very promising in teaser form, and the fact that it was shown at a hillclimb event suggests it is more than just a styling exercise. Whether it will match the performance of the CS remains to be seen, but the project has already captured the imagination of BMW fans who long for the brand's classic design language.
With no interior images released and no official confirmation of mechanical changes, much about the Riverti M2 restomod remains unknown. However, the company's decision to engineer all-new body panels rather than simply apply a body kit indicates a serious undertaking. The flared fenders, large spoiler, and distinctive lighting signatures are all hallmarks of a comprehensive redesign. As the project moves closer to production, enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if Riverti can deliver a restomod that honours BMW's past while embracing its present performance.
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