BMW Italy Builds a One-Off M3 for Alex Zanardi

BMW Italy has created a one-off M3 for Alex Zanardi, marking the racing driver’s 60th birthday on October 23 and the 40th anniversary of the BMW M3.

It’s a tribute built around more than a familiar name on the door, bringing together BMW M colours, personal symbolism and references to one of the most important performance cars in the brand’s history.

At a glance

• BMW Italy has unveiled a one-off current-generation M3 dedicated to Alex Zanardi.
• The car features bespoke graphics, Zanardi’s pineapple lucky charm and an Alcantara interior with iridescent BMW M colour accents.
• The project marks Zanardi’s 60th birthday, 40 years of the BMW M3 and a relationship with BMW spanning more than two decades.

A tribute shaped around BMW M history

The car is based on the current-generation BMW M3, but its purpose is commemorative rather than commercial.

BMW Italy developed the project with design studio BorromeoDeSilva, using the M3 as a canvas for a story that connects Zanardi’s sporting life with the BMW M identity.

The exterior reinterprets BMW M’s traditional racing colours rather than simply repeating a heritage livery.

The graphics are intended to reflect Zanardi’s journey with the brand, which has lasted more than two decades.

One of the most personal motifs is a pineapple, incorporated into the design as a nod to Zanardi’s long-standing lucky charm.

Inside, Alcantara carries the colour story

The cabin continues the bespoke approach with anthracite Alcantara upholstery and laser-perforated sections.

Behind those perforations is an iridescent backing inspired by BMW M’s blue, violet and red colour palette.

It’s a subtle way to carry the exterior theme into the cabin without turning the interior into a full racing-livery exercise.

The interior also draws inspiration from the M3 E30 Sport Evolution, one of the most revered versions of the original M3.

Alcantara and Befuel contributed to the project, adding specialist material and execution support to the one-off build.

More than an anniversary M3

The timing gives the car a dual role.

It honours Zanardi’s milestone birthday while also acknowledging four decades of the BMW M3, a model line closely tied to touring-car competition and enthusiast culture.

For BMW, Zanardi’s story has long sat beyond conventional motorsport success.

This M3 recognises his achievements, his resilience and his enduring place in the brand’s modern racing narrative.

Details & Specifications

This M3 works because it keeps the focus on a real relationship rather than a decorative theme, making it a fitting one-off for a driver whose connection to BMW has always carried weight beyond the race result.