The E30 BMW M3 was the first generation of M car truly for the mass market. Originally a homologation special, it was enthusiastically received by the public and provided class topping performance for buyers at the time. Consistent motorsport achievements across the entire production run meant demand never ran short for the model. Now thirty-six years since it was first seen, the E30 is widely considered the most collectable of all generations of M3.

Only available in left-hand-drive, the M3 is seemingly similar in appearance to other two-door E30 offerings but only shares minimal panel work with its lesser siblings - namely the roof panel and bonnet.

The beating heart of the M3 is a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with an advanced 16-valve head developed from the M1 supercar project. It is fed by Bosch fuel injection to give 192 bhp at 6,750 rpm. Providing drive to the rear wheels is the Getrag five-speed gearbox and a 3.25:1 clutch type limited slip differential.

This Italian registered M3 is a seldom seen Japanese specification car. It has a regular shift pattern gearbox rather than the dogleg version used in the European cars but retains the more elegant European bumpers. It was imported to Italy in 2019 and had a new coat of paint and some mechanical work to bring it up to the high standard seen today. The car is presented in very attractive Diamond Black Metallic paint and retains its factory features including electric windows, air conditioning and period cassette deck. The BBS wheels are shod with Dunlop tyres and there is a full-size spare in the boot. The odometer is showing a total of 94,000 km (58,400 miles). The chequered grey cloth interior appears to be original and very well looked after. It is supplied with a Certificate of Origin from BMW Italy.

This rare specification BMW would make a special addition to any collection.