Manhart’s restomod E30 M3 uses a 399bhp turbocharged Alpina straight-six

It would seem that German tuner Manhart is keen to get fully involved in the classic car restomod game. You see, just a month or so after it unveiled a tuned Lancia Delta Integrale, it has now shown off its take on the E30 BMW M3.

Now, if you’re an E30 lover or any sort of classic car purist, we suggest you look away. Seriously, close this window on your browser and never open it again. You won’t like what’s about to come.

Manhart has thrown out the E30’s original 197bhp 2.3-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine and replaced it with the 3.5-litre turbo unit from the 1981/82 Alpina B7 S Turbo. This is not something we were expecting to write today.

Based on the E12 5 Series, the B7 S Turbo was the fastest four-door production car in the world in its day. With rebuilt engine internals and a KKK K27 turbo, the fastest Five featured around 330bhp and could run to a top speed of 162mph.

Clearly Manhart didn’t think that was enough for its Frankenstein’s monster of an M3, because as it sits in those pictures up there the engine is producing 399bhp and 479lb ft of torque.

There’s a little manual boost controller in the cabin too, and Manhart has fitted a modified intercooler and its own exhaust system. There’s a new Drexler limited slip diff too, while the external mods are made from carbon fibre and include a front lip and a rear spoiler designed to make this look a little like a Sport Evo. 

There’s a matte green wrap too which is… interesting, and the wheels are truly terrible 19-inch Manhart items. Underneath there are Brembo brakes and H&R coilovers though, so the newly-named MH3 3.5 Turbo should at least stop and handle well.

One suspects you will have some opinions.