Lot 43: BMW Z3 M-Coupe

The BMW M-Coupe was built as a side-project alongside the Z3 and was available from 1998 - 2002. A real old school hot rod, it was developed by BMW's famed Motorsport division and featured love-it-or-hate-it hatchback styling that vastly improved rigidity (and therefore handling) compared to the standard Z3 Roadster  always considered a bit limp-wristed for the really committed driver. Only available with the 321bhp straight-six 3.2-litre engine from the contemporary M3, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, it was the fastest accelerating BMW of its day, scorching to 60 in 4.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155mph. The inside was as defiantly individual as the outside, featuring chrome-rimmed dials and often with garish multi-coloured leather all round. Despite its wilful weirdness, it was built to the same superb standards as any BMW and was a totally practical everyday driver that just loved to play the hooligan at weekends. With fewer than 2,000 made in total, it is a sure-fire collector's car of the future that is an absolute hoot to drive. First registered in 1999, this Dakar Yellow example is currently owned by Christiana Innes Ireland, daughter of the legendary ex-paratrooper turned Grand Prix driver of the 1960s. Said to be in good condition throughout with some 90,000 miles on the clock, it has recently passed an inspection of the VANOS unit at a BMW dealership. Said to have never been raced or used for track days, it is supplied with the private plate shown and plenty of service history including the original bill of sale. Due to have a fresh MOT before the sale, it looks excellent value at the guide price suggested today.