BMW E30 325i Sport (M-Tech 1), Lachs Silver

The 325i modelled started its working life in April 1987 as a BMW UK press and publicity car and was featured in numerous magazine articles. In 2008, after 13 owners and 174,000 miles, it was bought by Southampton-based BMW enthusiast David Thomas for a bargain price because of its poor condition.

Initially he didn’t know of the car’s interesting past but finding evidence in its paperwork convinced him to restore it. He removed the engine soon after purchase to diagnose a rattle and found the crank had 10mms of end-float! Once he’d rebuilt the engine he turned his attention to the suspension, brakes, interior and bodywork and now enjoys using it all year round.