28 Mar 08
BMW M3 (1986-1991)
BMW's hallowed M3 shares a common homologated theme in our ultimate list of 80s cars. It too, was the product and fruit of motorsport participation, yet it is further proof that competition improves the breed. This time it wasn't rallying that gave birth to one of the seminal cars of the 80s, but touring car racing.
To compete in the World, British and European Touring
Car championships, BMW had to homologate the racecar for road use. This is why M3 owners got complex aerodynamic aids, oversized wheelarches, monster wheels and an unrepentant 2.3-litre four-cylinder powerplant.
In terms of handling, the M3 outclassed cars that cost twice the price, while on the circuit the M3 was almost unbeatable. To this day, it remains one of the most successful touring cars of all time.
Assets
Touring car pedigree, snarling engine, flared wheelarches.
Drawbacks
Left-hand drive only.
Verdict
One of the finest-handling cars of all time.
