1988 BMW E30 M3 Prodrive – Project Profile
February 15, 2024
From Formula One to rallying we really do run the gamut of classic motorsport metal here at Car & Classic. Whether you’re after a slice of competition history as a show piece or you want a race-prepared weapon to actually compete with then we’ve got you covered. With so many track cars and racing cars gracing these fair pages, any budding motorsport enthusiast has plenty to choose from, including this 1988 BMW E30 M3 Prodrive rally car – the very beast piloted by François Chatriot and Michel Périn don’t you know.
As we’re sure you’re all aware, the BMW E30 M3 was a formidable car in road-going form. With almost 200bhp from its four-cylinder engine it was capable of the best part of 150mph, but its the racing versions where things get really interesting, specifically when British motorsport and engineering wizards Prodrive got involved.
Perhaps best known for its long-standing and highly successful relationship with Subaru, Prodrive ran the Japanese auto maker’s rally campaigns, beginning back in the early ’90s, which resulted in three Drivers’ and three Manufacturers’ World Rally Championships. In other words, they know their onions when it comes to rallying, but before any Subaru successes Prodrive developed and prepared several BMW E30 M3 examples to compete (and subsequently succeed) in the British Touring Car Championship as well as various rally competitions, and hence the BMW E30 M3 Prodrive was born, a car destined to become a legend.
An incredibly well-balanced car from the factory, Prodrive would tune the four-cylinder engine to be a more powerful and higher revving animal more suited to rallying. Of course, most of the rest of the car was suitably upgraded too, from suspension to brakes the BMW E30 M3 Prodrive is a far cry from a stock model yet still retains the car’s inherent drive-ability and characteristics.
What is it?
This 1988 BMW E30 M3 Prodrive is chassis number P88-015 which was delivered to BMW France in order for Chatriot and Périn to compete in the 1988 season where it achieved numerous podium finishes and wins. Changing hands a number of times over the ensuing years, as well as liveries, the car would consistently be raced in various regional and national rallies on a regular basis. Having been restored not once, but twice during this time the car now presents once more as it did originally in 1988.
Why is it a project?
This isn’t actually a project car in the true Car & Classic ‘Project Profile’ sense. What we mean by that is it doesn’t require any work at all as it currently sits in top condition, the ‘project’ part of all this is the racing. You see, if you buy this BMW E30 M3 Prodrive you’re not just buying a car, you’re buying an entire racing project. This is much bigger than any single vehicle that needs some resto work. From the logistics of getting it to and from the various competitions that you will almost certainly be taking part in, to any preparation and repairs that will no doubt have to be undertaken between each outing, this is an entire enterprise, but one that is well worth taking on.
What should you look for?
This is a highly tuned and race-proven (more than 100 rally starts since ’88) engineering marvel and as such we’re eschewing the usual ‘five things to look for’ trope. This isn’t a replica with a body kit, nor is it a stock E30 where we could talk your arm off about the various issues to inspect for, far from it. This is an incredibly specialist vehicle and as such we would recommend having an expert look over every facet of the car. Chances are, being as it is such a high profile machine available from an eminently respected seller, that all is tickety-boo but nevertheless, having a professional cast their eye over it is a good idea.
What should you do with it?
Race it, obvs. Complete with a valid and up to date Historic Technical Passport this BMW E30 M3 Prodrive is ready to compete. Respect and embrace the car’s rich legacy of motorsport success and honour those past drivers by continuing to rally it on a regular basis. Imagine blasting around the Tour de Corse Historique with the echoes of past glory ringing in your ears, along with the scream of that highly tuned four-cylinder engine. Sublime. This isn’t just a BMW E30 M3, this is a Prodrive BMW E30 M3.
