BMW 318i Cabriolet (E30)

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The superb E30 series of BMW compact saloons and coupes ran from 1982 until 1994 and, to many enthusiasts, were the last of the real driver-focused models from BMW.

Later 3-Series became increasingly heavy, and although regular injections of extra power made them faster, they lost much of the pep and brio of the simpler and lighter models. It is worth remembering that the first M3, widely regarded as the finest handling BMW ever made, was based on the E30 chassis and is now seriously expensive and collectable today.

One of the nicer models in the E30 line up was the 318i Convertible, launched in 1985 with a 1,796cc 111bhp four-cylinder engine. Driving through a 5-speed Getrag manual gearbox, the four-cylinder was the most balanced of the bunch and was the car to have in the late Eighties when it became known as the ‘Poor Man's M3’ although even then they were never exactly cheap. Superb driving machines, they are still sought after today.

This gem has covered only 84,000 miles from new, with considerable service history including a file of invoices and a service book showing no fewer than 12 stamps. Originally supplied new to Jersey and remaining there until 2005 (hence the low mileage), it is finished in Brilliant Red with grey checker sports interior, electric hood, ABS, electric windows and the desirable 5-speed manual gearbox, all the better to enjoy the pokey 1800cc motor.

The car was treated to a new hood and clutch in 2003 as well as the important timing belt change in 2009 and has an MOT to June 2019 with no advisories recorded. Driving beautifully on test, it is could yet prove a shrewd investment as E30 prices have been rising steadily of late.

AMENDMENT: This is probably 111bhp not 138bhp as previously stated.