With BMW Germany not producing the 4-cylinder E30 M3 in right-hand drive, BMW South Africa needed another way to keep the brand at the front of the local motorsport scene. Their answer arrived in 1985 in the form of the E30 333i, a South African homologation special developed for the production car-based Group 1 racing series.

Although Group 1 was cancelled in 1985 before the 333i could make its mark on track, BMW SA continued production through to 1987. Just 204 units were built, or 205 including the pre-production car, making the 333i the rarest E30 derivative in the world.

At its heart sits the 3.2-litre M30B32 straight-six, sourced from the E23 733i, paired to a short-ratio 5-speed dogleg Getrag gearbox and a ZF limited-slip differential. Due to space constraints in the engine bay, buyers had to choose between air conditioning or power steering, but not both.

This particular BMW 333i has been fully restored and is fitted with the power steering option, without air conditioning. Finished in Henna Red with a beige leather interior and riding on Alpina 16-inch wheels, this is a rare opportunity to own one of South Africa’s most significant homologation BMWs.