1983 BMW Alpina B2.8 Saloon

Alpina’s influence in Britain effectively began in the summer of 1981 when Frank Sytner and his brother Alan flew to Munich to meet Alpina’s remarkable founder, Burkard Bovensiepen, to discuss the possibility of Sytners marketing and supplying Alpina conversions in the UK. The meeting was successful and Sytner Nottingham became Alpina’s sole UK importer, and the only place in the world outside Buchloe ever authorised to carry out BMW-to-Alpina conversions. However, in the days before Alpina achieved full manufacturer status, type-approval compilations prevented cars being imported from Germany whole and Sytner therefore had to build – or rather convert – the cars itself; a process that they quickly mastered and got the logistics down to a fine art.

The range topping 3.5litre, 245bhp B9 based on BMW’s E28 528i was not fully developed so an exploratory marketing exercise by Sytner was to convert new 528is into the B2.8. The conversion included 16” Alpina wheels, spoilers front and rear, suspension springs and dampers, a bespoke Alpina steering wheel, an optional Alpina stripe kit, Alpina badging and the Alpina B9 exhaust system which raised power from the standard 528i’s 184bhp to 192bhp. Around 20 were built and less than 10 have reportedly survived.

This fabulous right-hand drive example was supplied new in November 1983 by Western Counties BMW in Bristol, fitted with the desirable Getrag 265 5-speed manual gearbox and finished in Henna Red with a grey cloth interior. It was in long-term ownership from 1988 to 2021 and appears to have been dry stored for much of that period. We understand that prior to its sale in early 2022, it was recommissioned with a full brake overhaul, new discs, pads and hoses, a new fuel tank and fuel lines and a full service including valve clearances and a fresh MOT showing no advisories. The indicated mileage at the time of sale was 54,628.

Whilst generally sounding and driving well, the car’s new owner, our vendor, thought that it was a little ‘tatty’ and could do with further detailing. He is known to be particularly fastidious and a ‘little detailing’ turned into hundreds of man-hours and many thousands of pounds. The exterior was repainted in factory-correct Hennarot paint (Code 052), the engine was removed and the engine bay fully painted and all the ancillaries have been replaced/refurbished where required. The original wheels were fully refurbished. Original Alpina and BMW parts were sourced from Germany at great cost to complete this car as accurately as possible including a correct Gold-stripe kit, original Alpina rear spoiler, all badges, Alpina wheel centres, fog lamps, grille and many other parts. One of the hardest parts about restoring a production car of this nature is finding all the little manufacturers labels, plastic washer bottles, correct brackets etc. and the engine bay of this lovely Alpina appears completely accurate and millimetre perfect. The current indicated mileage is 54,651.

This is a beautiful example of a rare B2.8, the car that started the Alpina/Sytner relationship over 40 years ago and would make a perfect addition to any collection of landmark Alpinas or BMWs. It’s supplied with its original book pack with partially stamped handbook, the current V5C and still bears its original ‘Western Counties’ rear window sticker. Come along to Race Retro and have a good look at this super BM to appreciate the quality on offer.