Now\u2019s your chance to own a rather amusing piece of BMW history by buying these full-size replicas of the i3 and i8 used for dealer promotions<\/p>\n
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Automotive memorabilla is an amusing thing. It can be a simple (but actually vital) as collecting brochures and diecasts, or it could be getting official merchandise from the past or present. But once in a while, something unusual comes up. In this case, its not one but two full-size replicas from BMW.<\/p>\n
Up for grabs is a replica of a BMW i3 (no, not the Neue Klasse) and i8. For those who remember, these two cars represented Munich\u2019s first baby steps into electrification. While it wasn\u2019t the most successful venture, it was a defining moment in BMW\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
As much as we\u2019d love to get the back story on this, it\u2019s a bit of a mystery on how it ended up being on Bring a Trailer. These replicas were actually sold as a pair back in December 2024, and the seller at the time acquired both in 2022. There was no mention how the person from the original sale got hold of it, but it\u2019s nice to know someone saved this piece of automobilia.<\/p>\n
Now, bear in mind that the i3 hatchback began production in 2013, while the i8 started in 2014. That should make both these models over a decade old. These \u2018cars\u2019 are said to have been made by BMW, and these were supposedly used for promotional purposes in dealerships. We\u2019re now curious if there were more of these made given that there are over 300 BMW dealers in the U.S.<\/p>\n
As these are replicas (replicars?), these aren\u2019t runners. There\u2019s no engine to speak of, or even an interior. Lights are present but inoperable at the time of writing, and both move around with wheels bolted on to the frame that allows these cars to keep their shape. These are full-sized fiberglass copies of the real deal, and it would make for pretty interesting decor at home.<\/p>\n
Admittedly, both need some care and attention. Some of the paintwork had faded and the black parts had gone bubbly, and the headlights have become hazy as well. On the i3, it\u2019s missing the passenger-side door handle. At least it won\u2019t be too much work to bring it back to its former glory should the buyer decide to restore either one of these.<\/p>\n
The cars are being sold by The DFW Toy & Car Museum. The reason for the sale, according to Bring a Trailer, is because the facility has surpassed its 200\u2011car limit and is selling off part of the collection to allow for future acquisitions. At the time of writing, there\u2019s four days to go for the auction, and current bids stand at $100 for the i3 and $700 for the i8.<\/p>\n
America Registered 100,000 EVs Again, but the Slump Isn\u2019t Over<\/p>\n
Toyota\u2019s Plug-In Hybrid Gamble Is Starting to Pay Off<\/p>\n
Why Buying a Toyota EV in California Right Now May Be a $3,500 Mistake<\/p>\n