A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

While anticipating the new BMW M2 available with three pedals on local shores, let's pay homage to its spiritual ancestor, the cult-classic E30

- Ryan O'Connor 

As long as I remember, the 3 Series BMW was a mesmerising model, given more mystique because it would become the vessel with which I first associated M cars.

M cars, now synonymous with performance and inseparable from BMW history, were once a great evolution for the German manufacturer.

BMW M, for "Motorsport", was first introduced into BMW's racing programme in the 1960s, but soon began to filter into the manufacturer's wider range as optional higher-level-trim and -performance models.

The first production M car looks very different to what I think most at least me - visualise when asked to think of classic M cars. The M1 E26 was a Back to the Future-looking beast, and the angular sci-fi silhouette was quickly updated to the boxy shape every car enthusiast now sees as synonymous with BMW M cars.

For me, that's the E30. The first M3 made its debut in 1986. That was ten-year-old Ryan's first insight into the mysterious and magnificent M range. The small, distinctive grille, the lowered, boxy body and fierce road presence - they were packed with power while maintaining style and elegance.