Ben Pulman lusts after an M3 – but can’t afford one. Here’s his cunning plan…
There are two types of motoring journalists; those who own their own cars, and those who don’t. I currently fall into the latter category, but I want to join the former. Most of us at CAR own our own wheels – and quite right too. Otherwise, how can we possibly live in the real world, and comment on the insurance, servicing, depreciation and drudgery associated with car ownership?
But what to buy? Everyone at CAR has somewhat eclectic tastes. Our production editor has an NSU Ro80, our road test ed has a 1980s Porsche 911, our assistant ed has a stripped E36 M3, while our associate editor owns a Focus but is investigating a Suzuki Cappuccino purchase.
Me? I want an E30 M3 (above). That’s not going to happen. I don’t have the money to buy such a car, or insure it in my twenties. So what next? The next best thing to an M3 is an E30 325i Sport, available for around £2000. Sport means a diff, 2.5 means enough power to get the back out, and I can use it to learn to heel ‘n’ toe. I’ve done my time in front-drive hatchbacks and want to learn more about handling now. This is my plan.
Down the line I hope to strip it, cage it, and go drifting as well. But have I chosen the wrong car? What else can I buy for peanuts? A Nissan 200SX? Or a first-generation Merc C-class and then cut the springs in half (as recommended by a colleague at Practical Classics magazine)? All ideas welcome – just click ‘Add comment’ below.