Even with the introduction of a
rear-wheel drive Subaru
, it's probably fair to say the BTCC isn't quite the draw it once was for motorsport fans. Now wait and watch as 2016 is an unforgettable season...
Now this is a race livery. And a stance
It's the Super Touring era of the 90s that is so fondly remembered by many, bringing together iconic cars, circuits and drivers for a decade of fantastic touring cars. There was huge manufacturer support with packed grids of cars from Audi, BMW, Renault, Toyota, Vauxhall, Peugeot and many more. Having Murray Walker doing the TV commentary must have helped too.
Now while the BMW E30 M3 was probably known better for the Group A era of BTCC, it did feature early on in Super Touring before the E36 3 Series arrived. Like its Ford Sierra contemporary, the M3 is still revered a quarter of a century later as a touring car legend.
And here's one for sale! This is a car used by Tim Harvey in the 1991 season, one of five built that year for Harvey and Will Hoy, the latter of course 1991 champion. This car won at Silverstone and took two podiums on the way to Harvey taking eighth in the championship. We're trying to find that Silverstone race on YouTube, but until then this video from the dealer has some great period footage included.
Watching old BTCC clips - purely for research, you understand - it isn't hard to realise why the series was so popular. High-revving engines, manual gearboxes and drivers not afraid to get stuck in are part of it, but also the fact that there's so many different cars that are all relatable to those you would have seen on the road. Ostensibly touring cars isn't that much different today, but there's something about the 90s stuff that appeals more. Then again, that was probably said about the then-new touring cars 25 years ago, and how much better things were in the 70s...
This particular M3 has always been in the Labatt's livery with its excellent 'Don't Drink & Drive' decal, which there seems no need to change. It has most recently been competing in the HSCC Super Touring Car Challenge and is apparently ready to race, so it would be rude not to carry on really. Best polish up your heel-and-toe skills.
The Labatt's M3 is listed at POA in this advert; all guesses on what it might actually cost welcome! For some point of reference the pair of Mondeos featured recently cost £250K, so is more than £100,000 realistic for this? Have M3 racing cars risen like M3 road cars? If there is a very healthy track car budget lying around, this looks like a very entertaining place to invest it. And if not, this YouTube channel has hours of 90s BTCC footage - enjoy!
BMW M3 (E30)
Price: POA (probably a lot)
Why you should: Iconic touring car with BTCC provenance
Why you shouldn't: Could probably have a 500hp Sierra for the same money
See the original advert here.
