
God's Chariot: The Legendary BMW E30 M3
To call the BMW E30 M3 an iconic vehicle would be a major understatement. Having made its debut over 30 years ago, this boxy coupé has managed to go from the race track and become a car enthusiasts most loved vehicle, as well as a fixture in pop culture.
This race car was first released in 1987 and won more road races than any other model in history. It didn’t have a lot in common with its fellow E30 models – it was a widened and heavily redesigned variation of the coupé body style with flared wheel arches, a tall rear wing, a stiffer suspension and a Formula-1 derived BMW S14 195 horsepower four-cylinder petrol engine. These enhancements made the vehicle unlike anything BMW – or any car manufacturer – had ever offered the public. It remains one of the most collectible and iconic models on the E30 platform.
With its rich legacy, timeless design and impressive slate of big name fans, the allure of the E30 M3 hasn’t faded but actually grown over time, coining the nickname ‘Gods Chariot’.
This legendary car can be found in various parts of pop culture like the cover of Frank Ocean’s Nostalgia Ultra Mixtape, films like ‘Paid in Full’ and ‘Oceans 8’ and Travis Scott’s CACTUS JACK label had a customised CACTUS JACK 1988 BMW E30 M3 which featured on the album cover of the JACKBOYS compilation.
In 2019, Supreme collaborated with Hot Wheels and car enthusiasts were thrilled to see the BMW E30 M3 as the featured car. They were so thrilled that fans were inspired to create a full-scale version mimicking the Hot Wheel 1:64 version. The car owner, Kash, worked with Eric Whiteback to create a 1:1 rendition of the collaborative release and the end result was a marvel to see. You can view/purchase the Supreme x Hot Wheels 1992 BMW M3 E30 Fleet Flyer on our site.
The car remains relevant and popular amongst leaders of the fashion world like Ronnie Fieg, founder of lifestyle brand Kith, who is a massive BMW enthusiast and the owner to a perfectly restored E30 BMW M3. His car was sent to BMW Classic in Germany where it received a full nut and bolt restoration and some Kith-inspired upgrades. Sean Wotherspoon, a designer, collector and entrepreneur, famously known for creating the iconic Nike Air Max 97 Ones is also the proud owner of this famed vehicle.
The impact of this car on hype culture and pop culture is historical, it has stood the test of time and will continue to remain a commemorative symbol for so many generations who hold it dear to their hearts.