Among car manufacturers, particularly those based in the same home market, there is no greater tradition than motorsports competition. From 1987 to 1993, the German Touring Car Championship served as the main arena of combat between BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Opel. Their on-track weapons were consistently revised and re-homologated season after season, evolving further and further away from their civilian brethren.

This 1990 BMW M3 Sport Evolution is a homologation masterpiece forged in the red-hot fires of domestic rivalry. It is the ultimate development of BMW’s E30-generation M3, itself an earlier special of 5,000 units executed in 1987 for Group A homologation requirements. During the interceding race season, FIA regulations lowered homologation quotas to just 500 chassis, and thus the M3 Sport Evolution was born (encompassing 100 race customer chassis and 500 production chassis).

The hood, roof, and door cards are the sole standard E30-generation components presented by the Sport Evolution’s composite bodywork. A set of boxed wheel arches were implemented to incorporate wider wheels, and in turn, larger brakes—all of it underpinned by a race-revised multilink suspension featuring stiffer springs and thickened sway bars. The Sport Evolution also features an adjustable front splitter and rear wing, which tweak downforce via three modes, dubbed “Normal,” “Monza,” and “Nürburgring.”

A limited slip-differential is linked to a five-speed close-ratio Getrag transmission; European models, such as this example, received a “dogleg” pattern while Japanese and export orders were fitted with a “H”-pattern configuration. In Sport Evolution trim, the M3’s “S14” dual-overhead-camshaft inline-four-cylinder engine received a more aggressive crankshaft, revised valves, and a ported exhaust manifold, bumping displacement to 2.5 liters and peak performance to 238 horsepower in its aptly named “S14B25 EVO 3” specification.

This Jet Black M3 Sport Evolution was delivered new to the UK in April 1990, and benefits from a short chain of three fastidious owners who have added just 26,683 miles to its odometer since new at time of cataloguing. It is a particularly well-specified example of this rarified homologation special, with power windows, air conditioning, and the headlight cleaning system fitted; interestingly, this car still retains the Anthracite Motorsport Design cloth upholstery with tricolor accents. The distinctive red seat belts, seat bolsters, and suede trimmings upon the steering wheel and handbrake lever remain in suitably presentable condition commensurate with this Sport Evolution’s life of limited use.

This last version of the iconic E30-generation M3 is now a seriously sought-after homologation special, and with only 500 Sport Evolutions produced for the public, this is an incredibly rare opportunity to purchase an outstanding, reference-grade example of one of BMW Motorsport’s finest creations.