4 Star Classics

A stunning Alpina B12 that sounds as good as it looks.

MODEL HISTORY

Typewriters or fast cars, this was the choice for young Buckard, 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 Buckard established Alpina, a BMW tuning business.

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

Alpina really established itself from 1968 with a hugely successful racing career that spanned 9 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 have all raced Alpina prepared BMW 2002s and CS coupes during their racing careers.

Since 1970 Alpina have had TUV status allowing them to build and register cars as Alpina rather than under the BMW badge. All Alpina cars can still be bought through BMW dealerships and still fall inside BMWs warranty scheme, a testament to Alpinas engineering achievement and ability.

In 1989 BMWs flagship V12 model was probably enough for most potential 7 series customers but those that demanded more from their sporting saloon had Alpina to turn to. BMWs M70 all alloy 4988cc block was dismantled by Alpina and modified with Mahle forged 10:1 compression pistons, reworked heads with bigger inlet valves and camshafts, a free flowing exhaust manifold and sports exhaust. All controlled by a modified engine and gearbox ECU resulting in 350bhp at 6000 rpm and 347 lbft torque. A faster car needs better brakes and suspension so Alpina modified the suspension springs and power steering rate giving the car a more focused ride and steering feel. A mighty car that must have startled even the most experienced of driver back in the late 80s.

Equipment

Alpina front spoiler, Alpina alloys, Alpina steering wheel, Electric Alpina heated seats, ABS, ASC, Air conditioning, Alpina modified V12 engine, Electric sunroof, Electric windows and mirrors, Multi function computer, Switchable automatic gearbox, Sports suspension, Sports exhaust, Blaupunkt tape unit with 6 disc changer.

EXTERIOR

This B12 is in pristine condition, the last owner was a true perfectionist who wanted the car in show winning condition so he treated it to a fully stripped glass out respray to eradicate any chips or scuffs. Its one of the best finishes we have ever seen, perfectly flat with a deep glossy shine, there are none of the tell tell signs that the car has been resprayed other than the fact it looks brand new! All the trim fits perfectly and is undamaged. The stripes where replaced after the respray with a genuine set direct from Alpina. Amazingly the low hanging Alpina front spoiler destined for a run in with curb remains unmarked.

INTERIOR

The interior is also spotless, there is no wear to the Alpina seats, none of the trim is damaged and its just been fitted with a brand new set of BMW mats. The Alpina steering wheel looks and feels great in the car and completes the Alpina cloth interior perfectly. The Alpina plaque is clean and shows it's production number which is backed up with a build sheet supplied from Sytner UK, Alpinas sole concessionaire since 1985.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Its said here at 4 Star that every man needs to own a V12 before he dies, this B12 is the perfect example of why! The sound this engine makes is like no other, totally smooth but with the deepest note building to a mighty howl when provoked with your right foot. Even if you not interested in its purchase you are welcome to come over and have a listen!

Recent work includes a new exhaust system, new hydraulic suspension lines, a full service including both air filters, pollen filter, 12 plugs, camcover gaskets, a brand new tinted and heated windscreen as supplied from new. New front discs and pads.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The Alpina alloys are unmarked and wear new rubber less than 1000 miles old. The front brake calipers were renewed in 2008 and we have recently replaced the front discs and pads. The brakes are certainly effective and rather useful as the noise and power of the V12 is rather addictive.

HISTORY FILE

This Alpina B12 was first registered in February 1990, for the first part of its life it was serviced at BMW, the original BMW invoices have been kept in the history file. Over recent years it has been serviced and maintained by a couple of different specialists, again the receipts have been kept outlining the work carried out. There are 12 MOT certificates, 8 tax disks and 3 sorn certificates to verify the mileage.

The previous owner used to show the car at a number of different events. Included in the history is some of the literature and display material he used to take, including the original BMW 750i sales brochure and a number of different magazine articles about the Alpina B12 when it came out.