197 BMW (E30) M3 Group A (1985) ADZ 9596

BMW M3 (E30) (1985-92) Engine 2302 S4

Decals Loctite - Rampage

Driver Decals Chris and Mike Rimmer

Registration number ADZ 9596 (Antrim)

BMW ALBUM

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623759864432...

 

With the launch of the E30 BMW range, BMW approached Prodrive to run a Touring Car programmeusing their new range topping M3. Prodrive also recognised the cars potential as a tarmac stage rally car, the car exceeded expectations when Belgian driver Bernard Beguin took the car to its maiden win, first time out in the 1987 Tour de Course.

 

ADZ 9596

This car was built by Prodrive, for Bernard Beguin to conmpete in the French Tarmac championship, registered ADZ 9596 it debuted at the Rally Alpin France in 1989, it was subsequently sold to Russians who transfered it to a Russian registration MMC8888 and was returned to Prodrive following a crash. Repaired Prodrive sold it to British privateer entrant Pat Waterman in the mid 1990s, again it was badly damaged in an accident, this time in Egypt, it remained unrepaired for sometime until Waterman sold it to the late Steve Fleck. Due to the extent of the damage it was re-shelled with an ex-BTCC shell aquired from Midlands based Moseley Motorsport, as Prodrive had done originally the shell was sent to the workshops of Francis Tuthill to uprate it rally spec. It was then rebuilt with the remaining works components and it was subsequently sold to and successfully competed by Andrew Haddon after which it returned to Fleck, and a decision was made to do a no stone unturned restoration. This was completed by Erich Wevers of Weversport in the Nederlands, returning to its originally Loctite livery and reuniting it with its original restoration number

 

The high performance BMW M3 was based on the 1986 model year BMW E30 3 series. Powered by a 2.3 S4 litre engine mated to a five Gertrag speed gearbox with limited slip differentials, the standard road version producing 197bhp non catalyzed, with Evolution 2 models producing 220bhp in road trim. Attained by use of revised intake camshaft profile and modified exhaust camshaft timing, increased compression, and a more efficient cylinder head intake port design. Larger diameter exhaust header tubes along with the lack of a catalyst.

 

The M3 differed from the rest of the E30 range, although using the same body shell the M3 was equipped with 12 different body panels aimed at improving aerodynamics, as well as box flared wheel arches to accomodate the wider track and larger wheels and tyres. Different sporting suspension and special front and rear brakes calipers, rotors and master cylinder

 

To keep the car competitive in racing following year-to-year homologation rules changes, homologation specials were produced. Homologation (motorsport) rules roughly state that the race version must reflect the street car aerodynamically and in engine displacement. These include the Evo 1 (200bhp), Evo 2 (220bhp), and Sport Evolution, some of which featured less weight, improved aerodynamics, taller front wheel arches

 

The Sport Evolution produced 235bhp to further facilitate 18-inch (460 mm) wheels in DTM), brake ducting, and more power. Of which only 600 cars were built to facilitate FIA rules, plus 1 Convertible. In road trim the 2,5 litre engine produced 235 bhp rising to 380bhp in race trim

 

Diolch am 82,019,535 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mae pob un yn cael ei werthfawrogi'n fawr.

 

Thanks for 82,019,535 amazing views, every one is greatly appreciated.

 

Shot 05.06.2021. at Bicester Heritage Centre, Bicester, Oxon. 146-197

 

 

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