1991 BMW M3 (E30) Sport Evolution

Offered here is 1 of 51 E30 M3 2.5-litre Sport Evolutions supplied new to the UK and first registered in June 1991 finished in Brilliant Red with a Sport Evolution cloth interior, sunshine roof and rear head restraints. In 1996, after five years of enjoyment, the car was sold to our vendor, a BMW franchise owner and a good friend of the original owner, with just 29,000 miles covered. It has now covered just 65,000 miles and has been dry stored correctly under a fitted cover in a heated garage when not in use.

The condition of this beautifully preserved example can only be described as excellent and, we are informed by our vendor, that there have been no accident repairs ever and the car drives exactly as you would expect with relatively little use. The paperwork history is complete, accompanied by the original BMW book-pack with original service book stamped up-to-date and supported by invoices showing that this M3 has been regularly and correctly maintained by a combination of BMW main dealers and AC Schnitzer UK distributor. A wealth of old MOTs also support the low mileage and the current MOT has no advisories and is valid until August 2022. The registration number, H9 REB, assigned to the car from new, is included in the sale and a current V5C is present in the file ready for export or transfer. Currently fitted with a period 360mm AC Schnitzer steering wheel and suspension, with original items forming part of the sale. Importantly, there is BMW correspondence in the file confirming that chassis no. AC79449 is one of the original 600 Sport Evolutions manufactured by BMW and 1 of 51 supplied new to the UK.

These are rare cars and in the interests of accuracy we thought we would quote from the official BMW M Registry.

"The E30 M3 Sport Evolution, produced in an edition of 600 during late 1989 and early 1990, was the most extensively modified of the three E30 M3 Evolution editions. The cylinder bore was increased to 95mm (from 84mm) and a long-stroke crank was added to boost displacement to 2,467cc (from 2,305). In addition, the valves were enlarged and a more aggressive cam was fitted. Special nozzles sprayed oil under the pistons to keep them cool. All Sport Evolution motors were equipped with catalysts. The end result was a power increase to 238 hp at 7,000 rpm, though peak torque decreased slightly (over the Evolution II) to 177 lb.ft at 4,750 rpm. These engines use the regular black cam cover but have red spark plug wires. The gearbox remained unchanged but the 3.15:1 final drive was fitted. Like the Evolution II, the Sport Evolution has thinner glass, a lighter trunk and bumpers, and brake cooling ducts in place of fog lights. In addition, it also has a smaller fuel tank. For homologation purposes, the Sport Evolution has unique front and rear spoilers with adjustable extensions for greater downforce, even wider front fenders, and reprofiled grille slats with sealed gaps for better aerodynamics, all of which have negligible effect on the street. The M3 Sport Evolution also sits 10mm lower than the normal E30 M3."

This is a rare and special car, the final evolution of the E30 M3 with known history, low mileage and low ownership. It could be many years before another opportunity such as this presents itself.