2001 BMW M3 (E46) Convertible (manual) - 656 miles from new

• 343bhp 3.2-litre ‘S54’ straight-six engine substantially re-engineered by the 'M-Division' mated to a 6-speed Getrag gearbox that takes power to the rear wheels via a variable-lock LSD
• Incredible to believe this car is now 20 years old – ‘as new’ condition with showroom delivery mileage
• Remaining in secure storage whilst the owner went to Spain for 19 years having then covered just 640 miles
• The original bottle of champagne is in the boot from the supplying dealer along with all keys, key rings, hardtop roof, wind deflector, book-pack and the SupaGuard protection
• Upon being rediscovered, the car went to BMW Vines of Gatwick for an inspection, full (1,200 mile) service, recommissioning and recalls for road use
• Fastidiously stored and maintained ever since, this car is as healthy as it is original

A decade after the Golf GTi had turned the sports car concept on its head and shown that a hot hatch could be as dynamic as a roadster, BMW brought out the now iconic M3 E30 in 1986.

This homologation special was only meant to help the company win Touring Car races, but it started a whole new genre and added excitement to the BMW range that it couldn’t do without. The E36 M3 of ’93 was accused of being more of a marketing tool, a tad unwieldy and overweight, but the E46 was designed to address that.

The M3 E46 took the hearts of real sports car fans by storm when it launched in 2000. With a low weight construction and the high-rev concept of its inline 6-cylinder engine, for many it embodied a return to the virtues of the M3 E30. The following year, a convertible E46 M3 followed, combining a sporty experience and the luxury of open-top driving in an unprecedented way.

Priced on a par with the Porsche Boxster S, the E46 M3 was streets ahead in performance, challenging the much pricier 911 and Audi RS4. Stiffened, wider-tracked with big wheel arches and a massive front spoiler, it packed a 343bhp 3.2-litre ‘S54’ straight-six engine substantially re-engineered by the 'M' division. A six-speed Getrag gearbox took power to the rear wheels via a variable-lock limited-slip diff, developed with GKN. All cars were officially limited to 155 mph, although Autocar’s test model happily topped 160 mph.

Modern technology meant that ABS, switchable Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control and Traction Control systems were standard. It sounded brilliant, too. "The grunty rumble from the quad exhausts at idle gives way to a serrated wail as the straight-six climbs to its redline," enthused Autocar magazine.

Aluminium was widely used to keep weight down, for the bonnet and brake calipers as well as suspension components, though the car still ended just a bit heavier than its predecessor thanks to a high level of standard equipment inside the opulent leather-clad interior.

As a package, it was a triumph – the original M3 grown up.

The car presented here must be seen to be believed. It is a 2001 BMW M3 (E46) Convertible with the more desirable manual gearbox, which has covered just 656 miles from new! Read that again. Can there surely be another like this?! It is incredible to believe this car is now 20 years old – ‘as new’ condition, including the smell, with showroom delivery mileage.

Remaining in a high-quality garage whilst the owner went to Spain for 19 years (having then covered just 640 miles), it was discovered by our vendor through a mutual connection. Not believing his eyes, and before it was even started up, the car was trailered straight to BMW Vines of Gatwick for an inspection, a full (1,200 mile) service (invoice is in the history file), recommissioning and manufacturer recalls (including airbags and engine bearing cap replacement) for road use. After this, fitted with a new BMW battery, a new fuel pump and some fresh fuel, its straight-six engine was awoken.

Amazingly, the original bottle of champagne from the supplying dealer was in the boot, plus the car was found to have all keys, key rings, hardtop roof, wind deflector (unopened), and book-pack.

Fastidiously stored and maintained ever since its discovery by our vendor, this car is as healthy as it is original. One for the BMW collector, this amazing car is in possibly the best colour combination for an E46 of Carbon Black paintwork and black leather interior, plus a big specification including Harmann Kardon HiFi, electric memory seats, heated front seats. 19″ polished alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, cruise control, climate control and parking Sensors. What a package!