Estimated Price: £58,000 - £68,000

When the E36 M3 arrived in 1992, it represented a considerable change from the four-cylinder, homologation focused E30 that preceded it. BMW’s M-Division had created a faster, more refined and considerably more usable M3, powered by a naturally-aspirated straight-six and designed to be equally at home covering a long journey as it was being driven hard. It proved enormously successful, with more than 70,000 E36 M3s ultimately produced across its various body styles and markets over its seven-year production run.

The model evolved significantly during its life, most notably in 1995 with the introduction of the 3.2-litre Evolution. Its S50B32 straight-six produced 321bhp at 7,400rpm and 258lb/ft of torque, driving the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. Performance was impressive, with 0-62mph arriving in 5.3 seconds and the top speed electronically limited to 155mph.

By 1998, E36 production was approaching its conclusion, and BMW chose to mark the occasion in the UK with something rather special, the E36 M3 GT2 Imola Individual. Just 50 examples of were produced, exclusively for the UK market, taking inspiration from the earlier E36 M3 GT homologation special whilst using the later 3.2-litre M3 Evolution as their basis. All were finished in striking Imola Red (405) and received the additional front splitter, GT-spec rear spoiler, together with forged Style-24 M, double-spoke alloy wheels.

The interior was where the Individual treatment really came into its own. The cabin was trimmed in a combination of Imola Red Nappa leather and Anthracite Amaretta throughout, with contrasting Imola detailing and stitching on the steering wheel and handbrake, creating one of the rarest, most distinctive and desirable interiors fitted to any E36.

This particular example is one of those 50 UK cars and presents in excellent condition. It benefits from relatively low mileage, low ownership and a strong service history, including maintenance with BMW gurus, Munich Legends. In 2019, the car received a full respray in its original Imola Red to rectify a colour mismatch between the bonnet, wings and the remainder of the bodywork. With the paintwork freshly completed, the entire car was then protected with paint protection film in 2020, preserving its impressive condition.

The interior has also been reconditioned, with a brand-new genuine BMW steering wheel fitted after the original had become shiny and lost the correct matte finish to its leather. When the original alarm system failed, it was replaced with a period-correct Clifford system, deliberately chosen to remain true to the car’s era. Two carefully considered mechanical upgrades complete the package, with Bilstein coil-over suspension and a sought-after Eisenmann exhaust system, giving the fabulous S50 straight-six a suitable soundtrack.

The E36 has spent many years unfairly caught between the motorsport legend of the E30 and the increasingly celebrated E46 that followed it, slipping through the cracks somewhat. That is beginning to change, and cars such as this demonstrate exactly why. The 3.2-litre S50 is a fabulous, naturally-aspirated engine, whilst the manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive chassis provide all the involvement expected of an M-car.

With only 50 examples produced, and many of them living hard lives or losing their provenance, this is among the few examples listed as ‘location unknown’ on the E36 GT2 Registry, showing it’s a rare car that hasn’t been seen in some years, being preserved rather than neglected.

The GT2 Imola Individual sits right at the sharpest end of E36 M3 rarity and desirability. Combining the best developed version of the E36 M3 drivetrain with an unmistakable Individual specification, end of production rarity and some sympathetic improvements, this example represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most special E36 M3s ever produced, in superb condition.