The Perfect Storm of 1988: Box Flares & Elephant Print

After being inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s latest album with his lyrics and visuals that brought together the Buick GNX and Nike Shox R4, it’s only right to continue on with the connections of other legendary cars and kicks. With the recent release of the “Black Cement” Air Jordan 3, let’s take it back to 1988…

BMW's E30 M3 & Jordan's Third Signature Shoe

While Michael Jordan was mesmerizing us with his free throw line dunks and White Cement Air Jordan 3s, BMW's Motorsport division was dominating European touring car racing. Two revolutionary designs emerged that year to forever change their respective industries: the BMW E30 M3 and the Air Jordan III. Both represented a perfect marriage of form and function, each crafted by visionaries who understood that true performance could also be beautiful.

The E30 M3 wasn't just another fast BMW—it was a race car for the street in the purest sense. Born from homologation requirements for DTM racing, BMW needed to produce 5,000 road cars to qualify for competition. What they created was arguably the most focused driver's car of its era. The standard E30's body was dramatically transformed with box flares, a raised trunk lid, and a larger front air dam. These weren't just cosmetic changes—each element served a purpose. The wider fenders accommodated a wider track and larger wheels, the trunk lid improved aerodynamics, and the front air dam increased downforce.

Under the hood lurked the legendary S14 engine—a 2.3-liter four-cylinder masterpiece that produced 192 horsepower in street trim (197 if yours was sold in a country without catalytic converters). This may seem modest by today's standards, but the engine's individual throttle bodies, high compression ratio, and 7,250 rpm redline made it one of the most responsive and engaging powerplants ever created. In race trim, these engines would easily produce over 300 horsepower, leading the E30 BMW M3 to victory over 20 times across touring car and rally races, proving that the inaugural World Touring Car Championship win in 1987 was not a fluke.

Meanwhile, on this side of the world in Beaverton, Nike was facing a crucial moment. Michael Jordan was approaching the end of his original contract, and rumors swirled about him potentially leaving for another footwear brand. Enter Tinker Hatfield, an architect-turned-shoe-designer who would change the trajectory of sneaker history (for more on Tinker Hatfield’s influence on sneakers, check out Episode 3). The Air Jordan III marked many firsts: the first mid-top Jordan, the first to feature visible Air cushioning, the first to showcase the iconic Jumpman logo, and most importantly, the first to feature the now-legendary elephant print.

Hatfield's architectural background influenced every aspect of the III's design. The elephant print was inspired by the plush materials typically found on luxury furniture, attempting to bring a premium feel to athletic footwear—something unheard of at the time. The tumbled leather upper offered superior comfort and durability, while the visible Air unit provided proven performance benefits. Like the M3's box flares, every design element served a purpose while contributing to an unmistakable aesthetic.

Why the E30 M3 Matters: With only 16,202 units produced worldwide, the E30 M3 represents BMW's commitment to pure driving experience. Unlike modern performance cars that rely heavily on electronic aids, the E30 M3 was analog in the best way possible—direct steering, a dogleg manual gearbox, and a naturally-aspirated engine that rewarded skilled drivers. Today, pristine models routinely sell for over $150,000, with rare Sport Evolution models commanding north of $300,000.

Why the Air Jordan 3 Resonates: The III saved the Air Jordan line and established the blueprint for all future signature sneakers. Its combination of luxury materials, innovative technology, and distinctive design elements proved that athletic shoes could transcend their original purpose. Original 1988 pairs in deadstock condition have sold for upwards of $30,000, with game-worn examples reaching six figures.

Engineering Meets Design: Like GNX and Shox R4 designs, both the E30 M3 and the Jordan III represent watershed moments in design philosophy that resulted from pushing the boundaries of the status quo at the time. The M3's transformed bodywork and the III's elephant print were radical departures that initially shocked purists but ultimately became iconic. Both designs proved that performance products could be both functional and beautiful, influencing generations of cars and sneakers that followed.

Just as the E30 M3 spawned countless imitators and inspired a generation of performance cars, the Air Jordan 3's design elements have been bootlegged, referenced, and reimagined countless times. Both remain benchmarks against which modern designs are judged, proving that true innovation never goes out of style.

-Nick Engvall

Join the Conversation: What's your take on these two icons? Whether you're a BMW enthusiast who appreciates the S14's individual throttle bodies or a sneakerhead who loves the AJ3's iconic elephant print, we want to hear your stories. Did you own either of these? Are they on your bucket list?

Share your experiences and join us on Threads or Bluesky.

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