BMW 320i Convertible (E30)

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 The superb E30 series of BMW saloons ran from 1982 until 1994 and, in many enthusiasts eyes, were the last of the real driver-focussed models before BMW followed its rivals by making increasingly heavy and desensitised machines which may have been faster and plusher, but had also 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. However the vast majority of buyers went for the less hardcore E30 variants which included two-door coupes, four-door saloons and estates and a convertible, with engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.5 litres in capacity.

One of the most desirable models of all was the glamorous 320i Convertible. This was powered by a fabulously smooth and quick-revving 2.0-litre straight-six that produced 127bhp, sufficient to launch the car to 60mph in 9.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 127mph with up to 40mpg economy on a run. Every Yuppie’s dream car in the late Eighties, good ones are increasingly sought after today.

This car is definitely one of the good ones. First registered in January 1993 it is one of the last batch made, has covered only 76,800 miles and has clearly been pampered throughout its life. A desirable 5-speed manual model, it looks superb in sparkling Glacier Blue with an equally impressive grey leather interior. The electrically powered blue soft top is also in fine condition and you would scarcely believe that the car is 21 years old.

The private vendor is well known to Brightwells and is about as fussy as they come so you can believe it when even he rates the car as an exceptional example in all respects. Within the last 18 months it has been treated to a new timing belt, water pump, battery and alternator. A set of four new tyres have also been fitted and all the fluids changed, including the gearbox oil.

Supplied with a reassuring history file and all its original handbooks in the original wallet, it is said to drive superbly and comes with an MOT until August 2015 and a current tax disc. With prices of E30 M3 models now heading into the stratosphere, this beautifully presented late model 320i looks irresistible at the sensible guide price suggested.