Estimated Price: £200,000 - £250,000

Introduced in 1986, the BMW E30 M3 was developed by BMW Motorsport specifically to homologate its competition car for Group A Touring Car racing. Beyond its familiar 3 Series silhouette, the M3 featured substantially revised bodywork, wider wheelarches, a redesigned rear screen and boot lid to improve aerodynamics, together with uprated suspension and braking. At its heart was the naturally aspirated, 2.3-litre S14 four-cylinder engine, producing up to 200bhp in its original European specification. Its high-revving character, five-speed dog-leg gearbox and rear-wheel-drive layout established a formula that would prove exceptionally effective on both road and circuit.

The M3 made an immediate impression in competition. In 1987, its first full season, Roberto Ravaglia won the World Touring Car Championship, Eric van de Poele secured the German DTM title and BMW also claimed the European title. Further success followed across national touring car championships, endurance racing and rallying, where the M3 demonstrated that its relatively compact, rear-wheel-drive format could compete against more powerful and often four-wheel-drive opposition.

As competition regulations encouraged continual development, BMW introduced a series of homologation evolutions. The 1987 Evolution I featured a revised cylinder head to accommodate changes intended for the racing cars. The Evolution II followed in 1988 with more substantial changes to the 2.3-litre S14, including higher-compression pistons, revised engine management and intake arrangements, and a lighter flywheel, raising output to around 220bhp.

The final development was the M3 Sport Evolution, introduced in 1990 and commonly referred to as the Evo III. Limited to 600 examples, it received a larger 2,467cc version of the S14 engine, producing 238bhp at 7,000rpm. Achieved through revised bore and stroke dimensions, the increase in capacity brought a stronger spread of performance while preserving the engine’s high-revving nature. The Sport Evolution also benefited from further weight reduction, revised aerodynamics and adjustable front and rear spoilers, allowing the car’s aerodynamic balance to be altered. Distinctive front bumper openings accommodated improved brake cooling, while detail changes to the suspension and bodywork reflected the ongoing development of the racing M3. Finished only in Brilliant Red or Gloss Black, the Sport Evolution represented the most highly developed production version of the original M3 and the culmination of a remarkable period in BMW motorsport history.

Offered here is a truly exceptional BMW M3 Sport Evolution, finished in Gloss Black and supplied new by BMW Niederlassungen in Germany in May 1990. Imported to the UK in the late 1990s via Sorensons, its first UK owner was David Flux, founder of Adrian Flux Insurance. Upon import, the speedometer was converted to miles per hour and today indicates just over 38,000 miles.

According to an HPI report undertaken prior to the auction, the M3 has had just four owners since 1998, a history supported by two substantial binders of documentation. The history file includes the original book pack and service book, with records providing a comprehensive account of its life from its early years in Germany through to the present day. More recently, the M3 has benefited from a comprehensive refurbishment by Irv's Restorations, including a full bare metal repaint and complete underbody restoration. The suspension and underside components were removed and refurbished where required, with considerable attention paid to replicating the original factory overspray details. Hundreds of hours were invested in the process, with numerous genuine BMW parts fitted, leaving the car in equally impressive condition underneath as it is above. All work is documented by detailed invoices and photographs.

Taking time to explore the history file offers a fascinating insight into the careful maintenance and preservation of this special M3. Close inspection of the bodywork demonstrates the quality of the restoration work, while the cabin is equally impressive, with a beautifully presented interior and evident attention to detail throughout.

In summary, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a BMW M3 Sport Evolution in immaculate condition, supported by an impressive and well-documented history. Born from the golden era of touring car racing, the Sport Evolution represents the ultimate development of the original E30 M3. It is a car that continues to hold a special place among enthusiasts and collectors, and one that would make a significant addition to any serious BMW or motorsport collection.