The Z4 GT3 was one of the most impressive, even if not entirely compliant with the regulations, ways to participate in racing a decade ago. BMW’s outdated M3 was proven to be quite uncompetitive in the GT3 class by 2012, and the new Z4 lacked the power needed to compete, so the decision was made to merge the two, fitting the M3’s V8 engine into the compact roadster body. A blend of the best of both worlds, reminiscent of a Teutonic Shelby Cobra Coupe. BMW has seldom produced a race car as remarkable, and Turner’s version carries the most exceptional livery of all, making it the preferred choice, despite never achieving victory.
Turner Motorsport, known for their affinity towards all things BMW, embraced the new car effortlessly, immediately embarking on racing ventures in the U.S., starting with IMSA (then known as Tudor United SportsCar Championship) before joining the competitive Pirelli World Challenge. In 2014, the team registered a single entry for a single round of PWC for future champion Dane Cameron, achieving an 18th place finish. The 2015 season saw marginal improvement, but amidst the fierce competition from Cadillac, Ferrari, Porsche, Nissan, McLaren, and Acura, Turner’s duo of Am-class drivers Bret Curtis and Bill Ziegler struggled to secure positions in the high teens and low 20s. Curtis managed a 10th place finish only once during the season and ultimately settled for 22nd place in the final standings.
On the other side, in IMSA, utilizing the same car specifications, Dane Cameron led the team to four wins and two podium finishes, securing the GTD title in the 2014 season. The car faced tougher challenges in 2015 in IMSA, despite clinching a victory at Lime Rock Park and landing another podium in Austin. It continued to be a competitive car under the IMSA driving team, albeit with fewer victories.
For those interested in owning this unique chapter in BMW’s motorsport legacy, the opportunity awaits at RM Sotheby’s upcoming Dare to Dream Collection online auction, commencing on May 31 and concluding on June 1. The estimated pre-auction value of the car ranges between 140,000 and 180,000 U.S. dollars. This seems like a reasonable sum for a 12-year-old GT3 machine that didn’t secure any victories, doesn’t it? Nevertheless, you can still dominate BMWCCA track days with it, which, in my view, is the ideal use for this vehicle. Go out there and make the most of it!
