2012 BMW - Alpina B3 GT3 - One of Four Right-hand Drive Special Editions

The Alpina B3 GT3 is a very special car. Only 99 examples were manufactured worldwide to celebrate the company's success in the German GT championship with a B6 GT3. Launched with great acclaim, with Alpina PR videos and a 15-page information booklet, the car was very well received. It was Alpina's take on the wild BMW E92 M3 GTS of which there were 135 examples worldwide and are now valued at c.£130,000 - £150,000.

Alpina started with their already special B3 S Biturbo, utilising the very well-regarded 3-litre straight-six, and set about adding choice components and upgrades to create a consummate all-round sports car. In producing the B3 GT3, they did what only a few manufacturers or tuning specialists can do - they made a car that is not only very competent on a track-day but can also be driven every day in comfort with real road-driving abilities and refinement. The engine produces 402bhp and 398lb/ft (74lb/ft up on the M3 GTS) reaching the back wheels through a Drexler limited-slip differential, enabling a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds  and onwards to a top speed of 186mph. With weight-saving in mind, the B3 GT3 versions of Alpina's iconic multi-spoke 'Classic' wheels are 25% lighter (housing blue six-pot calipers clamping 380mm discs), whilst the titanium Akrapovic exhaust saves another 11kg. The biggest mechanical change, however, is reserved for the suspension. The standard width rear axle is fitted with fully adjustable coil-overs at each corner. Not only is the ride-height variable, but the dampers also have 12 settings in compression and 18 in rebound. Helpfully, Alpina also offers the driver three pre-determined, progressively firmer set-ups for the chassis.

Ultimately, for all its exclusivity and engineering integrity, this car is really about the driving experience. EVO magazine's  Henry Catchpole test-drove a B3 GT3 in 2013 saying "Rarely have I driven a car that felt so right so quickly’’.

Offered here is one of the four right-hand drive B3 GTs manufactured, supplied new by Sytner Nottingham and is the car driven by Henry Catchpole in the aforementioned Evo test, then wearing the private number B3 BMW. Now showing just 25,965 miles at the time of cataloguing, this example is presented in excellent condition, inside and out, and the low mileage is fully supported by nine stamps in the service-book, all from Sytner dealerships. The special Mineral White Pearl paintwork is virtually flawless and the unique Alpina interior also presents as new, as you can see in our professional photographs.

Accompanied by its original BMW bookpack including the aforementioned service book stamped up-to-date, suspension adjustment tool, new V5C registration paperwork with the private number showing in the images now removed, and the Alpina will be presented for auction with a new MOT.

It could be many years before another opportunity arises to take ownership of a special-edition Alpina GT3 and this gleaming example seems very sensibly guided considering the amount of excitement on offer.