The E36 M3 is probably the least loved M3 out of all, despite the popularity it enjoyed; after all, the task of replacing a car like the E30 was going to be tall order for every car.

Carfection chose the limited GT version as their preferred E36 M3, given it is the only homologation special of this particular generation. BMW produced just 356 examples of it, all in left-hand drive guise.

Under the bonnet lies a modified version of the 3.0-liter straight-six you would normally find in an early E36 M3. The mods include a higher compression ratio, revised intakes, new cams, a different oil pan, upgraded VANOS software and a shorter final drive.

The final figures were 295hp and 238lb-ft (322Nm) of torque, while BMW also removed the top speed limiter, allowing the E36 M3 GT to hit 171mph (275km/h).

Thanks to small weight-saving measures, such as aluminum doors, the GT is also 30kg lighter than the standard M3. The suspension features stiffer springs and shocks and there’s a strut brace up front.

The E36 M3 represented a massive change in the M3 family. Bigger and heavier, but with a much more powerful six-cylinder engine under the bonnet, it was a completely different driving experience than the lightweight E30.

Despite being nowhere near as popular as the E30, the E36 is still a brilliant performance car and one that’s a few suspension mods away to allow it truly shine.