1996 BMW M3 Coupe

This car is one of the specially prepared BMW M3 race cars that won both the 1997 and 1998 Drivers' and Manufacturers' Championship in SportsCar GT-2 category for production-based cars. This car and its teammates won 17 straight races in these seasons. This chassis won its class at both the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1998 and the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1997.

Based on the popular high-performance M3 coupe, these purposeful machines were equipped with race-tuned versions of the 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder production engine. Removal of normal road equipment such as air conditioning, audio system, anti-lock braking system, sound insulation, interior etc. reduces vehicle weight to around 2360 pounds contributing to a favorable power-to-weight ratio in their racing class. Engine power reaches a peak of 425 horsepower; with top speeds ranging up to 175 mph, according to gearing selected for specific race tracks.

Among drivers that campaigned the M3's are Pete Halssmer, Derek Hill, John Paul Jr., David Donahue, Mark Duez, Dieter Quester, Hans Stuck, Boris Said III, Mark Simo, Justin Bell, Peter Cunningham, and Bill Auberlen.