The E30 M3 is one of – if not the – most iconic cars of the 1980s. It is also pretty well the car that put BMW M on the map, cementing BMW’s reputation for building the most exciting and rewarding road cars around. Winning its stripes on the race tracks of Europe – and the bedroom walls of a million teenagers – that instantly recognizable 3 box shape, the quad light and kidney grill front end, and its fizzy, Motorsport designed 4-cylinder 24 valve S14 engine have made it the must-have homologation special for collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
But one-time low values, bottoming out 20 years ago, meant that owners often did not invest in their cars, or modified them for a changing world. After all, before they became iconic, there was a point where they were just ‘an old M3’ believe it or not. So while the Evo 2 and Sport Evo versions often escaped, the non-Evo cars often got neglected beyond the point of no return. But while Sport Evos, for example, are now out of reach for many enthusiasts – two sales this year set records for a Sport Evo, just over £400k and $650k respectively, the ‘standard’ E30 M3s – the few remaining unspoilt examples left around – are beginning to seem a bit of a bargain in collector’s terms, if you can find one.
This particular car, as you can see immediately, is one that escaped. With undeniably striking Zinnobar red paintwork, and stylish contrasting biscuit leather, this an unmolested, genuine example with well under 50,000 miles on the clock (about 74,000 kms). Originally supplied to Italy, this car was imported into the UK by its long term owner (more on owners later) back in the early 00’s, when it made a brief visit to Munich Legends. Used sparingly by the same owner (covering less than 7500 miles) until 2013 it was kept in heated storage ever since until we saw it again in 2023 (its last MOT had expired in 2013, so we were able to be sure the car had not been on the road) when it came to us to find a new owner. In those initial 20 years since arriving in the UK, the car had barely therefore covered 12,000 kilometres.
We found a new owner in the form of celebrity chef and restauranteur (and BMW nut) Tom Kerridge, who was planning a couple of European culinary road trips, and was looking for something special to make the journeys even more fun. The task having been completed, Tom asked us to find a new owner, and the car found its way into the collection of another enthusiast, where it sat in dehumidified storage until it was brought to us for sale.
An original, pretty, sound car, in very good mechanical order, this particular example is therefore actually one of the rarest of all – a solid, useable, well-presented standard E30 M3 that will grace any collection or garage, and the new owner can rest assured that by caring for this lovely car, any investment will come with the peace of mind that this is one of the few examples left on the UK roads that fit into this diminishing category. Never abused, and with the same owner for more than twenty years of its life this car has a simple, indisputable provenance, and incredibly low mileage.
Our technical team have carried out a full inspection, and are very impressed with the mechanical condition and originality. Many of the team at Munich Legends are past or present E30 M3 owners themselves, and it would be fair to say that over the years we’ve seen more of these cars than anyone else. We think it’s a smashing car – why not came and see for yourself?
For more information or to book a viewing (by appointment only please) contact our showroom team on 01825 740456 or sales@munichlegends.com
