Zachary’s E28 535is
What is your full name, what do you drive (year, make, model) ,where do you live in NYC, and what do you do for a living?
Zachary Kahn, I’m a designer who focuses on place making and environmental design.
photo - Ohad Kab
What drew you to the BMW E28, and how did you acquire yours?
It was boxy and has great body lines. I found the car on Craigslist.
What do you think sets the BMW E28 apart from other classic cars, and why do you think it has such a devoted following among car enthusiasts?
I think it’s one of the last truly beautiful front ends of the BMWs. It’s sort of the last shark nose out there. It also hasn’t become as popular as the e30 so it’s still a bit of a slept on car. I sorta think the early to mid 90s BMWs have junk interior in comparison to the mid to late 80s offerings.
Are there any particular design elements of the BMW E28 that you find particularly striking or interesting? If so, can you describe them?
Headlights and the shark nose are both stand outs. Also the stance when done just right with just a bit of take turns your 4 door businessman sedan into a mean looking sports sedan.
Can you describe any notable modifications or upgrades you've made to your BMW E28?
Euro bumpers, euro headlights, euro grill, euro valance and pfeba lip. Engine was rebuilt with the euro cam and all new components. Dsylva E.A.T has been installed. Slightly lowered with all new suspension basically. Cooling system all re done. AC was upgraded before I got it so it still works. Exhaust and exhaust headers from Ireland engineering.
Photo - Ohad Kab
What's the driving experience of this beauty?
It’s raw and a bit more thoughtful. It really shines out in some mountain roads cruising.
Are there any particular moments or memories associated with your BMW E28 that stand out to you?
Summer trips in this car to upstate. Cruising in the Catskills or up on the hawks nest. Also ever just a sweaty ass ride out to the rockaways for a beach day.
Are there any roads or driving routes in your area that you particularly enjoy taking your BMW E28 on?
Greenwood cemetery more normal weekend cruise. Pop on some jazz and just wind my way thru the space. It’s gorgeous and the views of the city are amazing. I get most people probably answer with nice open roads that they can get some speed on but there is something to just taking it easy and enjoying a nice slow ride in a beautiful space.
Photo - Ohad Kab
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in owning a BMW E28 or another vintage car for the first time?
Owning a classic car can be frustrating. Be patient and research. I find to really enjoy a classic car it comes with lots of research. If you want something you can just get in and not think about then you should probably just get something new.
How do you see the connection between your love for vintage cars and your work as a creative director and street artist? Do you find that these passions influence each other in any way?
My car is a physical extension of my creative practice. It gives me a new medium to express my creative thinking. Instead of designing a space or painting a mural I can design a machine that I use and is my personal rolling design project.
When you're driving your BMW E28, do you find that it inspires any particular creative or artistic ideas?
Well my camera is almost always riding shotgun, I’m normally just out on a cruise letting my eye take me places. It’s also nice to create for a different audience than I normally do. I can sit down with a buddy and decide we wanna spend an afternoon making a short film about our drive and post it to instagram and it allows us something to collaborate on that isn’t as serious as our day to day work.
Photo - Ohad Kab
Photo - Ohad Kab
Are there any car-related shops, garages, or dealerships in NYC that you would recommend to other car enthusiasts?
You know I’ve had terrible luck with shops in the city. Shops are so slammed in the city it’s hard to find anyone who cares. Mike over at euro auto repair in borough park has been great recently.
What are some of your favorite food spots and cafes in NYC? Are there any hidden gems that you would recommend?
Well sunset park has a lot of great places to explore. I highly recommend pulling up to the tacos el bronco truck and having some tacos on your trunk. Recently I have been into kura conveyor belt sushi right over the GW bridge. I will go for a Sunday night cruise up the Palisades Parkway and stop off at sushi afterwards.
