1990 BMW (E30) 320i Race Car

First released in 1982, with the final car running off the production line in 1994, the BMW E30’s shape has aged undeniably well, with a seemingly universal appreciation of the design. As a race car the E30 in M3 guise has seen countless victories across the board in BTCC, DTM and rallying. With M3 prices soaring in recent years to over £50,000, with exceptional examples selling in excess of £100,000 for both race cars and their road-going counterparts, it seems more and more sensible to build a non-M3 variant into a track focussed car, to be owned, enjoyed and driven for a mere fraction of the cost of its glamorous sibling.

Whilst some race cars are built on a shoestring, this 1989 320i sits on the other end of the spectrum and has been subject to a fabulous, no expense spared, ground-up build by Graves Motorsport. The cars wholesome beginnings stem from our vendor wanting something to race with his son, and for it to be ‘the best car on the grid’, and the E30 was the chosen candidate. The car was to be built to the specific regulations of the intended 2019 BMW Production Cup Championship, and logic dictated taking the car to Graves Motorsport as they have a great track record with overall wins in both this championship and others. However, upon the cars completion, COVID hit, and even though it was ready to race, circumstances had changed and it unfortunately never turned a wheel in anger on track and has simply seen a few shakedown miles on public roads.

Originally a non-sunroof, 318i coupé, the car benefits from an engine upgrade to the 2-litre M20B20 with all belts and hoses changed upon installation, along with an uprated radiator. It's equipped with Gaz coil-over suspension, a Z3 short-shifter, Miltek exhaust system, poly-bushed suspension, Toyo Triple Eights all-round, welded-in cage, a Motordrive bucket seat and a plumbed-in fire extinguisher.

Eligible for the Kumho BMW Championship and 750 Motor Club races amongst others, it would be great to see this E30 raced competitively or enjoyed as the perfect fast road/track day toy that you could happily drive to and from any circuit in full confidence. With the build cost in excess of £30,000, and offered at No Reserve, this fabulous looking E30 is ready and raring to go.