BMW Italy has created a one-off M3 to honour Alex Zanardi, marking what would have been the legendary racing driver’s 60th birthday and the 40th anniversary of the M3.
The BMW M3 Tribute to Alex Zanardi is based on the current G80 generation and was developed with Italian design studio BorromeoDeSilva, alongside partners including Alcantara and Befuel. Its exterior reinterprets BMW M’s historic racing colours, with one particularly personal detail: a pineapple motif, a familiar symbol associated with Zanardi.
The tribute continues inside, where anthracite Alcantara seats feature laser-perforated sections revealing an iridescent backing that shifts through BMW M colours. The cabin also takes inspiration from the original M3 E30 Sport Evolution.
Zanardi died on 1 May 2026, aged 59. His relationship with BMW began in 2003, before he became a factory driver in the World Touring Car Championship, where he claimed four victories between 2005 and 2009. He went on to compete in several other major events, including the 24 Hours of Spa and Daytona.
Following the 2001 crash at Lausitzring that resulted in the loss of both legs, Zanardi rebuilt his sporting career as a handcyclist, winning four Paralympic gold medals. His work supporting young amputees and athletes with disabilities also helped shape BMW Italy’s SpecialMente programme.
More than a personalised sports saloon, this M3 is a tribute to a man whose achievements extended far beyond racing.
