autoevolution
 

This Ultra-Rare 1988 BMW E30 M3 EVO II Disappeared Out of Sight for Two Decades

Based on BMW’s desire to compete in DTM and FIA’s Group A Touring events, the Bavarians outed the original M3 homologation special. It was created from the E30 3 Series starting point but mostly lived out its life in high-performance street and racing situations. And, as fate ordained, it was also derived in sportier “Evolution” models.
1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market 31 photos
Photo: The Market
1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market1988 BMW E30 M3 Evo II for sale on The Market
Those started coming out in limited numbers from 1988, and the EVO II was created in just 500 examples. It kept most of the earlier M3 specifications, such as the distinctively uprated coupe body design, or the dogleg manual transmission, but the power rating was thoroughly enhanced (for the era) to 220 PS (217 hp).

This Nagaro Silver M3 EVO II was the 183rd unit to come out the factory gates and was first sold new back in June 1988. According to the consigner, it hasn’t lived a tumultuous life, instead spending approximately a decade on the Isle of Wight off the southern coast of England.

From there, it traveled to Chiswick, West London and the next owner kept it for just a couple of years before giving the keys to a friend. It has resided in the same family ever since and apparently spent the past two decades in pristine storage conditions.

Recently recommissioned for this auction sale, this beloved example is not just highly original and running properly, but also totally reawakened from its garage slumber. The Nagaro Silver paint job is decidedly subtle, but the reworked body panels, suspension upgrades, and larger wheels won’t be fooling anyone to believe this is just another classic E30.

Instead, the feisty and high-revving BMW S14 four-cylinder engine probably begs for some action after the new owner has finished marveling at the checkered cloth bucket seats and got used to the stick shift’s motorsport-inspired dogleg arrangement.

For now, the auction on The Market hasn’t reached its intended reserve, with the highest bid reading (at the time of writing) 36,000 British pounds—almost $50k at the current exchange rates. The consigner estimates it will wrap up anywhere up to £80,000 ($110k), which could be a good estimate considering the rather high mileage of 163,600 km (around 101,594 miles).

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Aurel Niculescu
Aurel Niculescu profile photo

Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories