How to Build Your Dream Car

“A lot of people can say they bought their dream car,” says Carter Kelly Kramer. “Not a lot of people can say they built it.”

Kramer’s 1976 BMW 2002 is an example of how persistence can pay off. He bought the car at 16, from Ebay, with a tiny budget—and the car was far worse than described. Worse, he soon hooned off the road and punched it through a fence.

The repairs took a long time, as Kramer was determined to do it himself. “I had a pair of garden shears, I had a hack saw, I had a crowbar, and a sledgehammer…” he says.

“I slowly learned by taking the car apart how the car goes together,” Kramer says. “Don’t worry, I got this,” after his mom began to question why the 2002 was, again, in pieces.

Over time, it was decided to get rid of the project before college—after the car had inspired his successful entrance essay. Inevitably, Kramer suffered from seller’s remorse and eventually got the car back: “It was like a dog that ran away,” he says.

“I realized I took [a] nightmare and turned it into a dream…it’s taught me about cars, and driving, and fixing things. You can’t put a price tag on that.”

Petrolicious wishes to thank Collector's Car Garage for the use of its elevator and as an interview space during filming. The epic facilities were almost too distracting!







Drive Tastefully®

[EnthusiastGarage]

Thank you everyone for the positive comments. I didn't realize so many people would enjoy my story! It's truly been a life changing experience and something I can hold onto for the rest of my life! -CKK

[blu]

'It doesn't matter what the cars worth, I'm not selling it'
Spot on Carter, spot on (Y)

[ErikThePieMan]

A true petrol head. I truly admire his spirit and attitude.

[carrion_man]

"This car has taught me how to build, how to drive, how to appreciate automobiles...you can't put a price on that." Perfect. I love REAL car guys- they build the perfect instrument for themselves without thinking about resale value.

[harrycreasian]

from the pictures, he matures in a lot of ways as restoration are in progress. The editing captured it beautifully. I respect him not just because of his car, but his mindset evolution through restoring his car. good job Cramer.

[inasmehmedovic]

respect to the mom who was patient with him through the process.. A lot of parents wouldn't be that chill

[writerconsidered]

He didn't build the car, the car built him.

[seabarstwo]

Every man responding to there curious mom : Dont worry, I got this

[texas_guy_]

He's so young, to have those lessons learned. He has good motivation as well. The world needs more people like that.

[MostGenericUser]

I fucking hate when people say somethig like, "why are you putting so much money into your car? You're never going to get it back." They generally are just Joe Smoe who sees a car as an object to get from point A to Point B and don't understand. Like he says in the video we don't care about resale value because we build the car we want, not a car to sell.

[Marques_]

Now a "How to build your dream car even though you're broke, "

[koleu]

Step 1 to building your dream car: MONEY ALOT OF MONEY

[kroneyt]

"Every teenager thinks that they're the best driver in the world when they get their license, and they all learn quickly that they're not."

**Insert Takumi Fujiwara**

[rafordy]

We need more young people like this young man, with a passion for classic cars, he sold it and missed it and then had the grit to buy it back. I hope he does keep and use the car for the rest of his life.

[MikroAnimations]

People said it has no resale value? I'd drop a pretty penny for that thing

[LoonyGarage]

He turned an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. Awesome job, Carter.

[sumporfuk]

Bringing a car back to life, making it your own, and ending up with a presentable piece is truly a work of art. I have done the very same thing with a few cars in my life and again I am in the middle of an E30 build as I type this. Good on you and you have something to be proud of

[zerpy]

the moment he said hes going to keep the car for the rest for his life gave me goosebumps!

[maydayholic]

I don't really like BMW cars, but this beauty is GORGEOUS.

[carlosleon]

belived m know about this car...use to have one in Germany same body style but  was 1502 bmw 1976,   my was blue I pulled from a junk yard the body and the eng from another junk yard and put it together...I did bring to USA but I bought a 318is 1991 I am stilll have it...with 279, 699 miles and still running...fun car to drive....I am 61 yrs and still in joined.