NEC Classic Motor Show 2016: Touring car rivals go head to head at auction

A pair of German touring car legends will go under the hammer at this year's NEC Classic Motor Show auction. The 1990 BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution (Evo III) and a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II will be sold by Silverstone Auctions sale on 12-13 November.

The limited edition 1990 BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution (Evo III) is one of only 600 M3 Sport Evolutions built in late 1989 and early 1990. It is on the open market for the first time since 2002. First registered in Germany to BMW's tuning arm Alpina on 10 March, 1990, chassis number AC79160 was imported into the UK shortly after by Sytner Group. It is finished in Brilliant Red with Grey Motorsport cloth interior; options including electric windows and sunroof, on-board computer and headlamp wash-wipe system.

The car was used as a demonstrator for 19 months by BMW specialist Windynook Motorsport, Preston, where it was treated to a series of upgrades sourced from Norfolk-based BMW specialist, Rossiters Ltd, including lowered springs, adjustable anti-roll bars, heated racing door mirrors and a rear panel.

Owned since by BMW Car Club members and always maintained to a high degree, the matching numbers example comes with a full service history which shows past work completed by BMW dealerships and BMW specialists, accompanied by all the MoTs and manuals including the special Sport Evolution handbook and service book, along with the full BMW toolkit as originally supplied. Being the last (and fastest) version of the iconic E30 M3 range, and with 65,002 miles from new, the car goes to auction with a sale estimate of between £95,000 and £115,000.

Also competing for a buyer is a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II, number 28 of a limited run of just 500 produced. Presented in 'Blauschwarz' metallic paint, the car features a Black Anthracite leather interior with wood trim, numbered dog-leg gear stick, air conditioning, a fire extinguisher, rear mounted loudspeakers and heated front seats.

The car has had five previous owners and has been treated to a program of light corrective works courtesy of the current owner, carried out by race engineers Stancombe Vehicle Engineering, with the bodywork cosmetically enhanced by Harris Coachworks. Still in original condition, this Evo II has clearly been well cared for, the service book showing three stamps at the correct intervals. The car even retains the original Mercedes-Benz factory stickers in the windscreen.

Presented for auction with a UK registration, a fresh MOT and reading a mere 25,500 miles, the Evo II has a sale estimate of between £100,000 and £115,000.

Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, said, 'These are two very sought after homologation cars and to have them both available at one of our auctions is a real treat and a very rare opportunity for buyers.' Whale added, 'Any fan of the legendary Group A Touring Car can appreciate these two legends, and a lucky two could be the new owners of these low mileage examples, both with superb collector status.'

To find out more about the Evo II and the Evo III for auction and Silverstone Auctions’ Classic Motor Show Sale visit silverstoneauctions.com.