tommallett

I had wanted to drive an e30 M3 for ages and I was desperate for it not to disappoint. The fact I am writing about it now suggests it didn’t and this is why:

I think the first point to make is that these vary hugely for a number of predictable reasons. Firstly it is important to find one that has not been crashed as these have obviously been driven hard over the years. Secondly, the suspension bushes and indeed anything that links you to the road must be in good condition.

The car that I drove had benefited from a full main dealer overhaul and drove wonderfully. Indeed, it had been refitted to look like Frank Sytner’s 1988 British Touring Car Championship winning car and he has also driven it since giving it the seal of approval, indeed, he asked if it was for sale.

My over-riding memory is that it had steering feel that modern saloon cars could learn more than a thing or two from, it also had a good gearbox and felt sufficiently light on its feet to dispatch a bumpy ‘B’ road with ease, pleasure and alacrity.

The other revelation was its size. When the E30 ceased production I was six years old so their genius wasn’t really on my radar. I liked cars but I liked tractors as well, just to put you into perspective. But driving the E30 in 2012 reiterated something that I have been saying for ages, small cars are great fun, and effective to boot. Despite being left hand drive this was easier the thread through a tight spot than anything contemporary.