Diamond in the rough
Perhaps the most underrated BMW M3, the E36 was an accomplished all-round sports car. As with any ‘M’ car, finding a clean, low mileage example is particularly difficult because of their cult following and tendency to depreciate sharply in the years following their release. We’re pleased to report that this Estoril Blue E36 from 1996 is in exceptional shape, having covered just 27,000 miles. What’s more, it’s fitted with the desirable ‘Lightweight’ interior. It wants for nothing except a new owner who’s prepared to cherish it as much as the last.
A tale of two halves
This 1984 March 84G Chevrolet GTP was designed by a young Adrian Newey, and we all know how his career took off. It was raced by Blue Thunder Racing in the IMSA GTP championship in 1984, claiming multiple victories and helping driver Randy Lanier to clinch the title. In an unusual turn of events, the car was seized by the FBI after one of Blue Thunder’s sponsors, Apache Power Boats, was found to be drug trafficking. The March is now in the UK and, having recently received a comprehensive rebuild, ready to compete in the flourishing historic Group C series.
B for bonkers
Conceived to adhere to the Group B homologations, the all-wheel-drive Porsche 959 was a technological tour de force that made its closest rival, the Ferrari F40, look frankly antiquated. In fact, many of the technological features on the 959, such as the tyre-pressure monitoring system and the run-flat tyres, we take for granted today. What was perhaps more astonishing was that the absurd levels of performance (0–60mph in under four seconds and a top speed close to 200mph) could be enjoyed from the luxurious, leather-clad, and air-conditioned confines of the cabin. This Guards Red ‘Komfort’ example from 1987 was the 103rd of 225 built and looks to be in fine fettle.
Make for Montreal
Classic Alfa Romeos are not for sensitive souls, as many will testify, but this gorgeous white example from 1970 has a better chance than most of bringing a new owner delight without compromise. Marcello Gandini’s futuristic design coupled with a 2.6-litre V8 derived from the engines in the seminal Tipo 33 racers, the Montreal’s recipe is difficult to refute. With fewer than 50,000km on the clock, this car is in excellent condition.
Newfound eligibility
With both the Global Endurance Legends and Masters Endurance Legends historic series both catering to 1990s and 2000s sports cars, we’ve seen interest in GT machines such as the Ferrari F430 and Aston Martin V8 Vantage rise. This Prodrive-built V8 Vantage competed in the 2011 ELMS championship and in the GT2 class at Le Mans. In 2012, having retired from competitive racing, the car received several modifications including a paddle-operated X-Trac gearbox and air-conditioning. Offered with a significant spares collection, chassis 008 is ready to hit the track once again.
Photos: LBI Limited / William i'Anson / Sports Classics London Ltd / Tomini Classics / Art & Revs
