To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Monterey
event, 15 - 17 August 2019.
Estimate:
$140,000 - $180,000
- Offered from the BMW Motorsport Collection of Henry
Schmitt
- Extensively modified in the style of the 1989 DTM-winning
Schnitzer-run M3 Evo
- Benefits from recent engine rebuild and conversion to dry-sump
lubrication
- Ideal for vintage racing or presentation at marque events and
club gatherings
- Impressively prepared tribute to one of BMW's most celebrated
M3 race cars
- Finished in the iconic Warsteiner livery
Please note that this lot is offered on a Bill of Sale only.
The Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (German Touring Car
Championship), or DTM, was beloved by motorsports enthusiasts for
the monstrous wolves in sheep's clothing that filled its starting
grids. European manufacturers such as Volvo, Audi, and
Mercedes-Benz used the DTM to extensively modify their production
sport coupes into full-blown racing machines capable of outrageous
performance.
BMW won the DTM twice on the back of the popular E30 M3 model, with
Eric van de Poele taking the 1987 crown for the Zakspeed Team, and
Roberto Ravaglia winning it all in 1989 for Schnitzer in an M3 Evo.
The Schnitzer team was sponsored by the German beer company
Warsteiner, and Schnitzer DTM M3 examples during this period
prominently featured the brewer's gold-circle logo.
This impressive tribute to the Schnitzer-run E30 began life as a
body-in-white chassis and was reportedly purchased by a doctor in
Italy with the intention of entering hill-climb events.
Modifications undertaken include revising the suspension with front
magnesium center-lug uprights and rear Motorsport trailing arms.
Weight was reduced with the installation of lightweight glass, a
fuel cell, and fiberglass doors, trunk, and a removable racing
hood. Air jacks and a roll cage were installed, and the exterior
shell received an adjustable rear wing and a split front spoiler
from the M3 Evo.
The Italian owner eventually sold the BMW to an American doctor
living in Europe, and he in turn sold the car to Rob Ferrero, a
Golden Gate BMWCCA member and driving school instructor. Ferraro
imported the M3 to the United States and sold it to Gil Cervantes,
and he entered the car in club racing events for several years.
Henry Schmitt acquired the BMW from Mr. Cervantes and soon
commissioned Terry Tinney to rebuild the 2.5-liter racing engine
while entrusting vintage technician Donald Duncan to convert the
lubrication system to a dry sump.
Accompanied by a spare set of wheels and new tires, this
high-performance tribute to BMW's successful Schnitzer-Warsteiner
teams offers nearly identical performance to the rare originals at
a fraction of the cost. It beckons BMW Motorsport enthusiasts to
indulge in hot laps and historic racing heats while offering a
beautiful display piece for aficionados of Munich's celebrated M3
racing history.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.