Lot No. 317 - 1996 BMW E36 M3 Evo 4dr Saloon (Ex Top Gear)

Sold for: £5,830

The E36 M3 was a more refined, six cylinder range-topper derived from the 325iS unlike its 4 cylinder E30 predecesor. Critics claimed it was closer to a 6-series replacement than a true M3 - and to an extent they were right. But then, BMW never argued otherwise - it was a quick car that would appeal to everyone from the racer to the family man and business user.What makes this car special is that it was used in Top Gear Series 15 Episode 2, driven by Richard Hammond as the main driver & the Stig, the car was featured in the whole episode & not just a 2 minute slot. The show aired on the 4th July 2010 & was the "car challenge" part of the show, which took place in Germany. Top Gear cars dont usually come up for sale, they are either converted into boats, electric people carriers, etc etc or they get destroyed so this is a chance to own a piece of motoring history from the biggest motoring show in the world. Please note we are informed by the owner of the following:This car will come to auction with a brand new MOT which will be done on the 30th of May 2015 for complete piece of mind for the new owner. In relation to the cars MOT history for the Top Gear show, in January of 2010 there were no issues with nearside front suspension, indeed the only advisory was for a high level brake light being inoperative. In July of 2011 there were no advisories and as such a new MOT was issued. Regarding the interior, it has been changed simply because the old one was very tatty, and is a relatively simple upgrade. In January of 2015 a full inspection 2 service was carried out by Bartleys BMW who are a well-known independent specialist who carried out a full vanos diagnostic check. Also in March of 2015 the car was taken to Snows BMW of Portsmouth for a steering corrosion recall which was attended to.