BMW E30 M3 (1988)

In 1983 Nelson Piquet won the Formula 1 championship in a Brabham powered by a BMW engine. The engine's designer Paul Rosche was told by BMW's CEO that 'we need a sporty engine for the 3 series.' This fabulous, four cylinder motor was to become the heart of the M3. The production of the celebrated E30 road car was to homologate the M3 for Group A Touring Car racing and was campaigned successfully by BMW as well as other teams including Prodrive and Schnitzer.

Built between 1987 and 1990, the M3 was supplied in various guises for both the European and US market. Equipped with 12 different and unique panels from the standard E30 with improved aerodynamics and box-flared wheel arches on the froth and rear to accommodate a wider track and wider wheels and tyres. Suspension was greatly improved and the brakes had special callipers and a revised master cylinder.

In order to keep the racing variant car competitive following year-to-year homologation rules changes, homologation specials were produced. These rules roughly stated that the race version must reflect the street car aerodynamically and in engine displacement. This model was completed in 1988 and is what is unofficially known as an "Evo 2" homologation special variant. It was purchased by the current owner five years ago. Over the years he has used and enjoyed the car on his visits to the UK, leaving it in storage with DK at all other times. Over the last five years the car has received rigorous servicing and a very large amount of "TLC" thus resulting in a car that has effectively had a restoration. Work has included a full floor pan restoration, a full repaint, a full retrim and a total engine rebuild. There is much paperwork and documentation on file to support the current owner's cavalier regard to expense when it comes to this cars maintenance schedule. As a result the car is absolutely on the button and is in superb condition both cosmetically and mechanically throughout.