1983 Alpina E28 B9 3.5

MODEL HISTORY
Typewriters or fast cars, this was the choice for young Burkard, son of the German Bovensiepen family that by trade made typewriters. This was back in 1960s when, in the face of a disapproving German Automotive manufacturing industry, Burkard established Alpina, a BMW tuning business.

Tinkering with carburettors and cylinder heads, Burkard had success with the then current BMW 1500 range in 1963, and by 1965 Alpina had seven employees and a turnover of 200k DM.

Alpina really established itself from 1968 with a hugely successful racing career that spanned nine winning years, the highlight being 1970 in which Alpina team cars won the electrifying European touring car championship, the German hill climbing championship, and the prestigious Spa 24 hour race. Legendary race drivers Derek Bell, Niki Lauda, and Hans Stuck all raced Alpina prepared BMW 2002s and CS coupes during their racing careers.

Since 1983 Alpina has been recognised by the German Federal Ministry of Transport as an automobile manufacturer, thus Alpina-built cars are branded and registered as Alpina instead of BMW, although an Alpina can be bought and serviced at select BMW dealerships and covered if there is a warranty issue.

EQUIPMENT
German-supplied left-hand drive, 16-inch Alpina alloy wheels, Alpina numbered plaque, Sports seats in Alpina velour upholstery, ABS, Electrically-adjustable door mirrors, Electric sunroof, Electric windows, Heat-insulating glass, Limited-slip differential (25%), Alpina front spoiler, Alpina rear spoiler, Momo/Alpina leather steering wheel, Alpina wooden gearknob, Alpina decal set in gold, Alpina instrument cluster, Digital clock.

EXTERIOR
The E28’s handsome dark blue exterior is finished with slim Alpina decals running the car’s length and along the front air dam. At the rear the boot lid sports a purposeful spoiler and B9 3.5 model designation. The bodywork is in great condition overall, presenting with only a handful of discreet blemishes to the paint, all perfectly in line with the age and mileage. Elsewhere, the bumpers and trim remain in fine fettle and are pleasingly free from scuffs or signs of major wear.