Tech Worker Finds His Purpose in an E30-Swapped BMW 1600

“If you want it, you can get it,” is what Rashod Bacon hopes to instill in people of color who might see the world of cars as out of reach; unobtainium. He wasn’t born into money or power but made his own way and is now trying to inspire others while documenting his journey with vehicles.

[CARISMA is our show about the connections between enthusiasts and their cars. See the full playlist:    • CARISMA  ]

Bacon is an LA native who has the city in his blood. Like many, he was attracted to the freedom and style that the right car can unlock. He casually started an Instagram account, Motoring While Black, to keep his personal feed from being overrun with pictures of his GTI ... but has since evolved it to be a catalyst for connecting with and inspiring other people of color to get into the car scene, while showcasing those who came before him.

The car featured in this video, a BMW 1600 running a straight-six from an E30, is his first vintage machine. The inspiration for the motor swap came on one of his very first drives with the thing when the original engine blew up.

Since then he's been tuning it, refining it, and driving the hell out of it.

Follow Rashod on Instagram →   / motoringwhileblack  

Produced, shot, and edited by →   / tomgorelik  

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