Condor Articles

Underneath its understated styling, the E12 featured sophisticated multi-link front suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a curb weight of roughly 3,200 pounds. In six-cylinder form, it was powered by BMW’s robust M30 inline-six engine, capable of producing up to 180 horsepower. The combination of balance, durability, and straight-line performance quickly caught the attention of touring car teams across Europe.

At its peak in popularity, it’s hard to overstate just how important touring car racing was to motorsport enthusiasts. In the 1980’s and 90’s, series like the DTM, BTCC, ITCC and ETCC held a place in racing fans’ hearts rivaling even Formula 1. Manufacturers such as Mercedes, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Audi and Ford all fielded factory teams in that time period, battling for supremacy against perhaps the most iconic touring car brand of all time, BMW.