This rare BMW E30 M3 is good, but is it $200k good?

One out of 480 BMW E30 M3 “Cecotto Edition” produced will be heading to auction in mid-August estimated between U.S. $150,000 and $200,000 thanks to its rarity value and excellent condition.

BMW decided to launch a special mini-series in April 1989, celebrating the motorsports victories of Jonathan Cecotto. Cecotto was the company’s team driver in a number of touring championships of the time, including the DTM.

Back then, the M3 normally came equipped with an S14 four-cylinder engine tuned to deliver 195-200 horsepower (around 150 kilowatts) depending on the version. The Cecotto Edition bumped the output to 215 PS (212 hp / 158 kW). It also added a large front splitter, a redesigned rear wing, exclusive 16-inch BBS wheels and lightweight glass all around. Buyers could choose between red, blue and silver for the engine lid color.

The example on sale has several owners in the title, but fewer than 35,000 km (21,700 miles) on the clock. It underwent a major restoration a couple of years ago, which was supervised by renowned Ferrari expert Cristiano Michelotti. After reverting it to factory-stock state, Michelotti sealed the car away for storage.