BMW 325i Cabriolet (E30)

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Fitting squarely into the ‘small but perfectly formed’ category, the 3-Series BMW E30 still commands street presence in spades, just as it did when it was unveiled in 1982.

Its predecessor, the similar E21, was penned by Paul Bracq, BMW’s head stylist who left the company at around the time of its launch. The task of sharpening the E21 into the E30 was given to his successor, Claus Luthe, a man whose credentials included styling the remarkable NSU Ro80. His new model came in 4-door, 2-door coupe, estate (Touring) and convertible forms, the latter being produced for BMW by Baur.

At launch BMW made available a range of four- and six-cylinder engines. The six-cylinder offerings were of 2.0- and 2.3-litre capacities, the larger engine gaining an extra 200cc in 1985. This fabulous engine then produced a lusty 169bhp, with plenty more in reserve for the tuners who couldn’t wait to get their hands on them.

Originally supplied through Norris Motors of Kidderminster, this Baur-produced 325i Cabriolet was ordered in what was then (and after a period in the wilderness, now) highly fashionable Alpine White. It has been given the Alpina treatment, with Alpina wheels, brakes and suspension. The engine has an Alpina inlet manifold, suspension bracing kit and an aftermarket performance air filter. Fitted with a BMW alarm and immobiliser, a stainless steel exhaust has also been added at some point in the past.

A plaque under the bonnet shows that this car was a winner at a 1999 BMW Car Club show and it has now covered 169,000 miles, having been serviced a total of 19 times including three cam-belt changes. It is MOTd until February 2015 and carries the personalised number B8 RNB which is included in the sale.

It is testament to its 32-year-old design that it still looks razor-sharp, proving that quality design remains timeless.