For a car person, Heaven would be spending eternity in the Motorsport division of BMW. Imagine doing nothing but taking already amazing cars and turning them into performance powerhouses. That’s what the M division does at BMW. Since 1986 they have created an M version of every generation of the 3 Series.

The 1995 M3 become a highly-coveted vehicle right out of the gate. Only 2,000 were delivered to the United States in 1995, enhancing the car’s rarity. Sleek and stately design reminds you of a panther ready to pounce. And it’s got the performance specs to match. Hit the gas pedal and twin-turbos will have you breaking the law in less than 8 seconds. With a top-end speed well into the triple-digits, you’ll appreciate the stability that’s a hallmark of BMW cars. This is especially handy during track laps or quick accelerations off the line.

It’s common practice for car enthusiasts and collectors to compare the American version with its European counterparts. National laws regarding performance and emissions often lead to significant variances in both price and performance. In the case of this vehicle, the American version arrived on our shores 42 hp lighter, but $14,000 cheaper. By all accounts, this reduction in power was hardly missed. But the huge difference in price was well-appreciated in the U.S. market. It made the M3 that much more attainable for drivers across different tax brackets. Differences in performance design included giving the American model more low-end torque to accommodate the lower speeds of city driving. The European model was better suited for the higher speeds of the Autobahn. Another exquisite example of BMW tuning each model for its respective environment.

As one might expect with a luxury brand, the M3 came equipped with entertainment and convenience features including an anti-theft AM/FM stereo radio/cassette CD-ready audio system, dual power/heated outside mirrors, heated driver’s door lock, windshield washer jets, Drive-away Protection and Service Interval Indicator. The list of safety features included vacuum-assisted 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, a 4-sensor 4-channel ABS system, an all-season traction control program, a dual-airbag supplementary restraint system, an impact sensor, and side impact protection.

Read the car forums and seemingly every owner reiterated the same sentiment: These cars are unbelievably fun to drive. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or daily driving duties, the car drives like a dream. A solid, well-built, powerful, precise dream. BMW brands itself as the ultimate driving machine, and this M3 makes that dream come true.