Description:

This iconic 1987 JPS BMW E30 M3 Group A race car is now available for sale. With an illustrious background in Australian motorsport, this beautifully presented car is ready for its next chapter.

HISTORY
One of the first Grp. A M3’s ever built, and one of just six genuine JPS M3’s in existence. These cars were driven primarily in the 1987 ATCC by Tony Longhurst and Jim Richards. Built by Frank Gardener for the 1987 Australian Group A Series, it made its competitive debut at the ATCC Round 1 in March 1987, where Longhurst secured a commendable 6th place finish. As the season progressed, he further showcased the car's capabilities with 5th and 3rd place finishes at Symmons Plains and Lakeside, respectively. Engine builder Ludwig Finauer also took the wheel in later rounds, contributing to its reputation as a formidable competitor.
In mid-1987, the car was acquired by New Zealander John Sax, racing in prestigious events such as the Castrol 500 at Sandown, where it finished 8th. The team competed in New Zealand during 1988 and returned to Australia for the 1988 Tooheys 1000 at Bathurst where it was entered as car number 54 and driven by John Sax, John Sorenson and Kayne Scott. The car completed 100 laps but was classified as a DNF. 
It was back to Bathurst with the car for the 1989 Tooheys 1000. Race number 57 and driven by Craig Turner, Kent Baigent and Lou Vandermeer. Craig Turner hit the wall at Forest Elbow on lap 99 resulting in another DNF. The main damage was suffered to the front right side of the vehicle and some evidence has been retained for posterity in the 2015 restoration process.
The current owner purchased the vehicle in November 2014, where the car underwent a full body and mechanical restoration of the car to be carried out to return it to its original JPS livery and a standard Frank Gardner would accept. The car has subsequently raced in several HTC events in Australia including Bathurst where Harri Jones set a new HTC lap record.

THE CAR
For the past 10 years the car has been loved and maintained meticulously by Jones Motorsport. The car comes fully race ready equipped with a fresh 2.3lt engine and Getrag 265 Motorsport Gearbox – 5 Speed / Steel synchro and BMW Motorsport LSD 4:45 CWP. Additionally, the car has a MA / CAMS CofD / Historic Log Book; MANZ original Log Book issued 30/11/1990 GROUP A issued to Kiwi Motorsport; MA / CAMS Original Log Book 17/02/1987 (EXT-ISSUED 18/09/2023) Issued to JPS Team BMW as well as the original run book commencing 20/01/1989 (includes NZ and Bathurst events

SPARES
3 sets of wheels (including those on car) 2 sets mounted slicks / 1 set mounted wets
Spare Diff - Drexler LSD with 4:27 CWP

Don’t miss your chance to acquire this remarkable piece of racing heritage! Contact us for more details or to arrange a viewing.

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