From Russia with Love: Cardi Body II Roadster Based on BMW 325i

Is it a Thunderbird? Is it an Alfa? No, it's the Body II: a two-seater roadster made by Russian design and tuning firm, Cardi and it was shown to the public for the first time back in 2003 at the Moscow International Auto Show. The Body II rides on a BMW 3-Series platform (most likely the E36) and it's equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 196HP. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. As you can see in the pictures after the jump, the Body II's interior uses many bits and pieces from the 325i including the instrument panel, the switchgear and the front seats.

Cardi claims that roadster weighs in at 1,470 kg (3,241 lbs) and that it can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6,6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The custom-made roadster's design brings to mind the basic shape of the retro-styled Ford Thunderbird sprinkled with Alfa Romeo details especially in what concerns the front-end of the vehicle. Stud or dud? We'll you be the judge of that.