There are legions of impressive racers that populate the hillclimbing ranks, but few of them are as extreme as this BMW 1-Series. What was once an ordinary eco-car was usurped by the famed Georg Plasa — an engineer and hillclimb champ who took his cars to the limit in more ways than one. Plasa made a name in the European hillclimb scene with an E36 fitted with a 3.4-liter Judd V8 — the kind which once powered Le Mans prototypes.

That lightweight formula was so appealing to Plasa because he sought the ultimate he could extract from a sedan, and by placing a high-revving, light and powerful V8 in front of a small 1-series, he might have found the ultimate package. After exploring the limits of his previous E36, he moved onto the E82 BMW because of its ideal dimensions and, being a modern car, its marketing value. Improving upon the trim chassis were doors, a roof, sides and a fuel cell made in carbon. Magnesium wheels, thin paint and KW dampers weighing a mere 19 pounds finished off the strict diet and exercise regiment — this car’s nimble, light and still long enough to be stable in the quicker corners.

Huge wings and diffusers kept the aggressive-looking 1-series planted at all times.

Which is a good thing, because that added stability is a must when 550 horsepower is under the driver’s right foot. A double diffuser and an enormous rear wing help that high-speed poise, but much of it had to do with Plasa’s thirty years in the sport. An exceptionally smooth and skilled driver, Plasa gained a huge fanbase with his stylish driving. Unfortunately, a mechanical failure took his life while competing in the 2011 Coppa Carotti, but he and his incredible machines will live on thanks to his consummate skill behind the wheel.