The E30 M3 is the genesis of BMW’s most beloved nameplate. Developed by the company’s Motorsport division, the first generation M3 was designed as a homologation car for competition in both DTM and FIA Group A racing. First shown to the public at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, the E30 M3 took the already attractive 3-series coupe and turned it into an icon. Of course, everybody recognizes the big box flares, deeper front spoiler, and large rear decklid wing. Still, to turn the 3-series into a dominant race car, BMW carried out countless other upgrades, leaving just the hood, roof, and sunroof as the only panels carried over from a standard E30. In racing, the car was dominant, winning the World Touring Car Championship in 1987, the European Touring Car Championship in 1987 and 1988, the DTM Championship in 1987 and 1989, and countless other race series championships between 1987 and 1993.

This 1989 US-market E30 M3 was sold new through Frank Hilson BMW of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in August 1989. Finished in Diamond Schwarz Metallic, this car shows 51,969 miles at the time of cataloging. Remaining in outstanding original condition, this car remained in Florida until it was sold to its second owner in California, who has added less than 1,000 miles during his ownership. Not only has this car been lovingly cared for throughout its life, much of the original documentation, including the window sticker, bill of sale, and service records, dating back to the first oil change at 1,162 miles.

The interior is finished in what BMW calls Silver Leather with matching gray carpets throughout. In typical E30 M3 fashion, the front seats are manually adjustable Recaros with extendable thigh support and nice side bolsters to help keep you in place, while the rear is made up of two individual seats that also feature quite nice bolstering. An M-Tech 1 3-spoke steering wheel frames the car’s 160 mph speedometer and 8,000 RPM tach with a redline at 7,250 and an oil temperature gauge situated at the bottom. The only notable bit of modernization in this car is the addition of a Continental head unit with USB and Bluetooth connectivity that looks like it could have come as the stock stereo in the car, down to the matching amber back lighting.

Although the list of things that make the E30 M3 special is long, without a doubt, what sits under the hood is one of the most unique bits. Known as the S14, this 2.3-liter inline-4 features dual overhead cams and individual throttle bodies, which help it produce a remarkable 192 horsepower. This engine sends power through a Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential.