2001 BMW M3 GT V8 Grand-Am Coupe

In 1995, Tom Milner's Prototype Technology Group (PTG) converted the BMW M3 into a pole-setter for its GTS-2 debut. They were later given the opportunity to transform the third-generation M3 E46 into a Rolex Grand-Am Series competition car.

After studying the rule book, it was discovered that GT-class race cars could be powered by any engine from the automaker's portfolio. For two E46s, PTG removed the inline-six for the M5-sourced 4.9-liter S62 V8 and a Hewland six-speed manual transmission. This conversion made it the first V8-powered M3 to race in North America. Unlike the V8 used in the ALMS M3 GTR, the engine in the GT-class car was modified from road use rather than designed specifically for competition.

A total of six cars were prepared for Grand-Am competition, with four examples using the straight-six power.

The V8 produced more power than the six, was essentially the same weight, and it had a lower center of gravity. Most of the competition modifications to the S62 were made by PTG in house. BMW Motorsport supplied the racing camshaft and a VANOS variable valve timing system delete. It was clothed in a lightweight carbon fiber body shell, roll cage installed, and non-essential items removed.

The M3 GT V8 made its racing debut in early February 2011 at the 24 Hours of Daytona. The list of drivers under the Bell Motorsports banner included Terry Borcheller, Toney Jennings, Boris Said, and Hans Stuck.

During the race, the M3 was sidelined due to mechanical troubles with six hours to go. The cars had proven to be tremendously competitive - perhaps too competitive. Officials added a 100-lb weight penalty and air restrictors that removed about 90 horsepower to the M3s. Nevertheless, Borcheller and Jennings scored several GT-class wins during the season, including Homestead, Lime Rock, and Mid-Ohio.

After the 2003 season, the car was sold by Jim Bell to Danny Alvis in North Carolina, who entered it into BMW club races. By 2012, the car was back with PTG, where it was the last car Milner's racing team refreshed before going out of business in 2013. The car has not been raced since the work was completed.

This car, chassis number 004, was never significantly damaged during its racing career. It is currently in the livery it wore when it competed at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2001. It has BBS racing wheels, Yokohama tires, and all four drivers' names festooned to its rear window. The car comes with an extensive spares part package which has been valued at over $100,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2018