The 325i modelled was first registered on 11th September 1987 in the North East and remained in use until 2003 when fuel pump failure led to the car being stood-up, unrepaired and unloved. However, it was eventually bought by local scrap yard owner Andy Morton of 'Andy's Autos' who, spotting its rarity, put it into a container where it remained for 10 years. Enthusiast Carl Morgan from Middlesbrough happened to casually mention to him one day that he was looking for an E30 325i Sport and this led to the car being exhumed. He purchased the basically sound and complete, but very shabby, example in 2012 and has embarked on a restoration.
From 1986-90 only 3,928 BMW 325i Sports were registered in the UK so although this expensive niche model exceeded BMW's sales expectations it represented a small portion of the 129,640 3-Series sold in the UK during this period. At a time when the admittedly sparsely equipped 316i 2-door retailed at £10,750, the 325i Sport was £19,945 without common options such as PAS, electric windows and air conditioning. However, although the Sport shared its glorious M20 straight-six engine with lesser 325i models, enthusiastic buyers ordered it because it offered a much more focused driving experience courtesy of its manual Getrag close-ratio 5-speed gearbox, limited-slip differential, sports-suspension, green-tinted glass and sports seats. The M-Technic body kit, and BBS cross-spoked alloy wheels ensured it also looked good.
Engine: 2494cc 6IL
Power: 171@5800rpm
Torque: 167lb.ft@4000rpm
0-60mph: 6.8 secs
Maximum speed: 132mph