Alpina and BMW have an illustrious manufacturing history together. What began in the 1960s with modifications to better racing BMWs later transformed itself into fitting road-going BMWs with higher-performance and more luxurious accommodations. Alpina’s success at both missions has worked to interweave their name into BMW’s history and firmly established themselves as one of the most premier automotive modifiers. So much so, that Germany officially recognizes them as an actual manufacturer instead of as an automotive aftermarket part provider or tuner. Extremely exclusive in Europe, the Alpina-improved BMWs were not even sold in the United States market until the 2000s; making our next auction an exciting rarely imported opportunity.
Hailing from 1979, this BMW Alpina B8 washed up on the shores of the United States in 1985 and has seen several owners and some 80,000 miles (although the exact mileage is not known) during its time with us. Painted initially, and once repainted to refresh the color, in a light metallic blue the silver Alpina graphics were later added during that second painting, and the color is still in top condition. Still complete with its set of offset 16″ 20-spoke Alpina wheels and center caps, the outfitted tires are antiquated, but the wheels show no signs of curbing or damage.
Inside the passenger cabin are a set of blue and green fabric Alpina adjustable sports seats up front and behind them is a rear bench seat covered in the same fabric material. Most of the fabric shows light wear, but there are two tearing incidents. Aside from that damage and the stereo head unit replacement, the interior remains in original condition. Worth noting is the exclusive Alpina leather steering wheel with contrasting stitching and wooden shift lever. The upgraded BMW straight-six engine comes from Alpina with a displacement increase to 3.3-liters that, when new, gave drivers command of 240 horsepower through a five-speed manual transmission. Regular work has been performed on the motor, transmission, and suspension to keep it operating smoothly. A near-fully detailed historical record book is to be provided with the purchase. Drivers looking to score an exclusive car that was only ever individually imported into the United States should stay tuned for this auction to go live!
