The E30 3 Series is perhaps most famous for being the first generation

 The E30 3 Series is perhaps most famous for being the first generation

 of the car to receive a proper M variant, and although the M3 is now well out of reach for the average enthusiast, lower-spec cars remain under budget. Plenty of aftermarket parts are available for project car builders, with the E30's balanced handling making it perfect for everything from drift car builds to

 rally car conversions. If you want, you can always dress your cheap E30 up to look more like an M3, too. It's a controversial idea, but plenty of people do, especially since a real M3 can now cost over six figures.

Widebody kits are also easily sourced, in case it's the static look that you're going for. To build any of these projects though, you'll need a car that's in fairly good shape to begin with. Luckily, they're easy to find, with a January 2023 listing on Bring a Trailer showing a '90 325i selling for $8,600.