1996 BMW 850 CSi Manual

Classically proportioned, understated, and timeless styling. BMW's flagship in the mid-90s

Only two owners from new (including Jay Kay) and a warranted 12,777 miles

Superbly finished in Cosmos Black over Black Leather. Well spec'd from new (Cost £72,486)

Alpina alloys, a graduated tinted windscreen, front seat heating, and a tracker system

This is a rare car (BMW GB only supplied 138) with fantastic provenance. What an opportunity

The BMW 850CSI was the factory's flagship model in the mid-1990s and featured the silky smoothy S70 V12 engine mated to a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission and was one of the first cars ever to offer drive-by-wire throttle control. Developed from the M70, the S70 increased the bore and stroke and utilised more aggressive valve timings, resulting in an increase in maximum power to an impressive 380 hp at 5,300 RPM and torque to 402 lb/ft at 4,000 RPM. With the hydraulic control unit mounted on the differential, the 850 uses hydraulic rear steering linked to 'Servotronic' front steering to give precise, high-speed stability and harness the S70"s significant power output for a great driving experience.

Although considered avant-garde when it first arrived, the pillarless coupe was blessed with classically proportioned, understated, and essentially timeless styling that has not dated, and these beautiful and exclusive Gran Turismos still look modern today.

This particular 850CSi was supplied new by Alan Kerr in Warwick in September 1996 and had been ordered in Cosmos Black with black leather upholstery, a graduated tinted windscreen, Auto-dim interior mirror, front seat heating, and a tracker system. Costing £72,486 (original invoice in the owner's file), it was bought by a private Bristol-based client who kept the car until August 2017 covering no more than 12,000 miles from new. He had Alpina wheels and tyres fitted later in his ownership as the only non-original, but highly desirable, upgrade to the factory specification.

Discovered by rock legend and Jamiroquai frontman, Jay Kay, (an avid BMW collector), it was purchased and added to his private collection as only the second owner of the car from new. Recently fitted with a new battery and having been professionally stored and maintained during his ownership, the car is now offered for sale publically for the first time since it was new. The indicated mileage is currently just 12,777 in the hands of its two owners and the car remains in excellent condition. The 850CSi is now a rare car (BMW GB only supplied 138) and this is a wonderful opportunity for a collector to acquire a true modern classic that has impeccable provenance and still offers the convenience and safety of relatively modern technology.

We have sold a similar car with higher mileage for over £100k in the recent past, making the guide price of this particular car very realistic in today's market. A true opportunity.