1989 BMW M3 (E30)

Our final entry is one of several BMW M3s consigned in Silverstone’s, which includes examples built for rallying and circuit racing. Although this particular roadgoing BMW has the lowest estimate of these at £48-54k, there’s much to like.

Built for Group A touring cars homologation, the original E30-generation M3 uses the same basic body-shells as the standard E30s, but with 12 unique panels to improve aerodynamics, including the box flared wheel arches to accommodate wider track and bigger wheels. The 2.3-litre S14 engine, based loosely on the marque’s long-lived M10 four, is an absolute cracker – in race form was engineered to rev to speeds in excess of 9000rpm.

This M3 in Diamond black with a black leather interior was imported by its present owner in 2016 from Portugal. It’s been fully UK registered and clearly fastidiously maintained, with the odometer reading just over 100,000km (approximately 62k miles).

The first surprise when turning the key is being greeted not with the coarse chatter of an aggressively-tuned four, but the civilised thrum of a small six. It doesn’t feel particularly quick under initial acceleration, but the S14 reveals its advanced nature when the revs build past 3000rpm and the smooth hum becomes an authoritative bark. There’s sadly no opportunity to explore its seven-second 0-60mph potential within the confines of Stoneleigh, but you get a sense of it nonetheless.

And unlike tail-happy rivals, the M3 not only grips tenaciously but corners with scalpel-sharp precision. It’s a lovely example, ripe for miles more fun.

ENGINE 2302cc/4-cyl/DOHC POWER 200bhp@6750rpm TORQUE 177lb ft@4750rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 140mph 0-60MPH 7.1sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 17-26mpg GEARBOX RWD, five-speed manual

It may look like a normal E30 3-Series, but only the bonnet, doors and roof are interchangeable.

Despite being a left-hooker, this M3 is a surprisingly easy classic to get to grips with.

Everything in this M3’s engine bay appears to have been fastidiously maintained.