BMW 840Ci Sport Individual

The dramatic BMW 8 Series coupe was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989 and featured several road car firsts such as the first electronic 'fly-by-wire' throttle, the first to use a 'CAN bus' system to cut down the complexity and weight of the electrical system and the first BMW to use a multi link rear axle. Initially powered by a 4-litre V8 engine producing 286bhp and mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox, the 840Ci could sprint to 60 in 6.9 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

In mid-1995 this unit was replaced by a larger 4.4-litre V8 which produced the same power but more torque (310lb/ft against 295lb/ft) which shaved three-tenths off the 0-60 dash and gave better fuel economy to boot. Costing well over £50,000 new, it was always an exclusive machine and just 3,075 of the 4.4-litre models were sold worldwide before production ceased in 1999. Rare, fast and beautifully styled and built, this is a sure-fire classic of the future.

Dating from November 1997, this 4.4-litre has had just four owners from new and has only covered 88,000 miles with 14 service stamps to date, the first 10 at BMW main agents and the remainder at specialists using only genuine BMW parts. A limited edition Sport Individual model in the best colour of Estoril Blue with a Santorini Blue Nappa leather interior, it is packed full of options including: electronic damper control; M Sports package; electric sun roof; electric memory sports seats; cruise and climate control; twin front airbags; Servotronic variable power steering and a stainless steel sports exhaust system.

Known to the current vendor for ten years and owned by him for the last five years, the car is said to be in excellent condition throughout and to drive beautifully with a full 12 months’ MOT. He states that: “I have owned this car for five years now in which time it has proved itself as not only a lovely Sunday driving car but also as an exceptional Grand Tourer. Having family in Italy gives the perfect excuse to embark on a picturesque and exciting journey which my father and I have done in the 8 Series every year that I have owned it. These journeys are a round trip of some 2,500 miles and the car has never missed a beat. The experience of powering up the Alpine passes in the early morning with the sunshine reflecting off the snow is enhanced only by the sound of a V8 coming through the open windows. I am sure that the enjoyment this car has given me over the last five years will be experienced by the new owner of this fabulous vehicle.”

Wow – form an orderly queue here please!

Please note that the personalised plate shown will be replaced by the age-related plate R42 MDE prior to the sale.