Shop Feature: Racecraft
Writing and Photography by Riley Koidahl.
The first time I visited Racecraft I drove right by it. Actually, I drove by it three times. The building has no flashy signage or exotic cars parked in front to garner attention. Only a casually parked BMW M3 indicated that maybe this was the place I was looking for. The Seattle-based shop maintains a low profile, but once you are inside you understand exactly why.
The super clean, organized facilities paired with the eclectic mix of high-end vintage metal lets you know this shop is no joke. Racecraft treats customer cars like their own - with utmost respect and attention-to-detail. You won't see any beaters here, unless it's the crusty gray BMW in the corner, which happens to be an 1800Ti/SA - one of just 200 made, and worth six figures.
Racecraft specializes in the maintenance, support and restoration of race cars, sports/hobby cars and high performance street cars. Not only do they work on cars, but they also provide race-prep, trackside support, and race transportation.
This all-original Porsche racked up just 30k miles over the last 60 years, and it presented better than any restored example out there. The car was getting a light mechanical refresh, seals mainly, before taking to the road.
Of the many special cars at Racecraft, this BMW definitely held its own. Sporting VIN 429001, it was the first ever BMW 2002 Turbo made (with just 1600 produced in total). After a long hibernation, the car is enjoying a meticulous restoration at Racecraft.
Originally raced in Formula 2, this 1966 Brabham BT18 was restored to perfect, ready-to-race condition.
Midway through a refurbish was a 1987 Nissan 300ZX, just like Paul Newman's famous IMSA GTO racer.
This first generation BMW 1600 (1966-1967) still retained many rare early details, such as embossed hood trim, two-spoke steering wheel, and small chrome mirror. The 13" steel wheels, however, were a period-correct Alpina upgrade.
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and while Racecraft isn't cheap, you're getting top-notch work and piece of mind. After all, do you really want to leave your pride and joy with a mediocre shop?