Photo: Carandclassic.co.uk
In 1989 BMW launched a special edition BMW E30 M3 to celebrate the multiple victories of their driver at the time, Johnny Cecotto. Of course, the models would wear his name and only 480 units were ever made. One of them is apparently up for sale on Carandclassic.co.uk.
The seller claims this is the number 411 of the 505 cars like this ever made. What he doesn’t know is that only 480 true Cecotto cars were ever made. The rest of 25 were actually Roberto Ravaglia models that were destined for right-hand side driving countries and had Roberto’s signature on the dash instead of Johnny’s. Otherwise they are identical.
So, what should you look for to make sure this is truly a limited edition model? After all, anyone can stick a numbered plaque on the center console, right?
Well, the Cecotto models had the 215 HP S14 engine before it became standard on all M3s in Europe in 1990 and all of them had the valve cover done in the car’s body color. Speaking of which, the Cecotto was only offered in three exterior color choices: Misano Red, Macao Blue and Nogaro Silver Metallic. This particular car seems to be wearing Macao Blue.
Other specifics include the Evolution II front and rear spoilers, thinner glass for the rear window, chrome tailpipes and 16x7.5” wheels with unique black centers. The seats were done in a special Anthracite or Silver M-Technic cloth with Bison leather bolsters. As an alternative, Black Bison leather, Black extended Nappa leather or Silver extended Nappa leather could be specified at extra cost.
Additional special interior features included door sill plates with a color "M3" insignia, an M footrest for the driver, an illuminated leather shift knob and a plaque on the center console that displays the signature of Johnny Cecotto, as well as the exclusive number of each car in the series.
This particular one seems to be the real deal, with all the aforementioned distinctive features of a Cecotto car in place. The owner says there are 124,000 km (77,018 miles) on the chassis and engine but they were both maintained to the highest of expectations. Considering that a regular E30 M3’s price goes up at a faster rate than gold, it’s rather good investment, even though the asking price right now is £42,000 ($69,408).
So, what should you look for to make sure this is truly a limited edition model? After all, anyone can stick a numbered plaque on the center console, right?
Well, the Cecotto models had the 215 HP S14 engine before it became standard on all M3s in Europe in 1990 and all of them had the valve cover done in the car’s body color. Speaking of which, the Cecotto was only offered in three exterior color choices: Misano Red, Macao Blue and Nogaro Silver Metallic. This particular car seems to be wearing Macao Blue.
Other specifics include the Evolution II front and rear spoilers, thinner glass for the rear window, chrome tailpipes and 16x7.5” wheels with unique black centers. The seats were done in a special Anthracite or Silver M-Technic cloth with Bison leather bolsters. As an alternative, Black Bison leather, Black extended Nappa leather or Silver extended Nappa leather could be specified at extra cost.
Additional special interior features included door sill plates with a color "M3" insignia, an M footrest for the driver, an illuminated leather shift knob and a plaque on the center console that displays the signature of Johnny Cecotto, as well as the exclusive number of each car in the series.
This particular one seems to be the real deal, with all the aforementioned distinctive features of a Cecotto car in place. The owner says there are 124,000 km (77,018 miles) on the chassis and engine but they were both maintained to the highest of expectations. Considering that a regular E30 M3’s price goes up at a faster rate than gold, it’s rather good investment, even though the asking price right now is £42,000 ($69,408).
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