1985 BMW Alpina B10 3.5 (E28)

Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG or simply 'Alpina' - the official BMW tuning partner - has had a long and celebrated association with the Munich car maker, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015. Credited with re-engineering some very special cars over the years, Alpina's approach is often to refine and build on the latent driving and styling characteristics of a standard car, adding a certain Alpina 'magic' that only they can bestow. Their reputation and following are very strong, appealing to discerning buyers who want a special, rare and characterful car. Such are their credentials, that Alpina was recognised by the German Ministry of Transport in 1983 as an 'Automobile Manufacturer' in its own right.

In 1985, Alpina formed a partnership with Frank Sytner to establish a UK outlet for Alpina models at the Sytner Nottingham BMW dealership which had been awarded its initial BMW franchise in 1970. The first seven UK Alpina B10 3.5 E28s, were, according to online sources, based on the 528i, with later models being based on the 535i. The 'Sytner Alpinas', as they became known, were sent the 3.5-litre engine, suspension, badging and the all important dashboard plaque from the Alpina factory, for assembly in the UK.

This very special, UK, right-hand drive, manual car, was first registered on the 1st of August 1985, and according to the chassis plate, the base car was a 528i, and with the dashboard plaque stating it is number of 5 of 479, it marries up nicely that the first seven were indeed 528i models. Finished in 'Diamond Schwartz' (diamond black), with black leather, the car was originally specified with air conditioning, electric glass sunroof, electric windows, electric door mirrors, central locking and an onboard computer.

Well known in BMW Alpina circles, the car was subject to an extensive restoration whilst retaining the interior's period patina. Such was the high standard of restoration, that Number 5 went on to win a multitude of BMW Concours events. After one such win, the car was selected for display at the 'Meguiars Showcase' at the 2009, NEC Classic Motor Show, a very rare honour and open only to selected winners of their respective marque national shows of the year.

Purchased by our vendor, the chief executive of a leading and well-known company, to add to his stable of immaculate cars, the B10 has been well maintained but rarely used in his short tenure, and the decision has been made to allow the car to be enjoyed by its next lucky owner. With an odometer reading of fewer than 60,500 miles, the car presents beautifully and the black leather interior shows just enough patina. Included in the sale is a box of trophies, however, the private registration number, B6 RMK, is not included. Retention proceedings have begun, and the car will be no doubt issued with its original registration number C824 NHR.

Presented to auction with an MOT until May 2017 and the distinction of being the very best example on the market.