Model History

With the introduction of their B6 2.8, B7 Turbo and B7 Turbo Coupe at the International Motor Show (IAA) in 1978, Alpina became one step closer to becoming a car manufacturer in their own right. The B6 2.8, as featured here, was one of the first turnkey models produced by Alpina. It was based on the E21 323i but was equipped with a 2.8-litre straight-six engine from the 528i. The engine was upgraded with forged Mahle pistons, modified combustion chambers, increased compression, and a new fuel injection system made by Zenith-Pierburg-DL. The 2.8-litre M30 engine (originally rated at 177hp) now produced circa 200hp with torque of 248 Nm. The 323i’s original four-speed gearbox was also replaced with a five-speed Getrag unit. The B6 2.8 was further equipped with Bilstein shocks and stiffer, shorter springs, staggered 15-inch Alpina alloy wheels (wider at the rear), uprated front brake discs, front and rear spoilers, and stylish Recaro bucket seats. Production of the B6 2.8 began in March 1978 and ended in January 1983 with the introduction of the E30 3 Series. A total of just 533 cars were built.

Equipment

Avus Blue Metallic paintwork, Alpina striped cloth upholstery, Recaro bucket seats, 15-inch staggered Alpina alloy wheels, 5-speed manual transmission, Alpina air dam, Alpina rear spoiler, Alpina stripes in silver, Alpina limited-slip differential, Stainless steel exhaust, Strut brace, Alpina secondary fuel tank, Alpina driver’s footrest, Momo steering wheel with Alpina horn push, Alpina wooden gear knob, Alpina instrument cluster, VDO gauge pack, Black Alcantara headlining, Central locking, Alarm, Spare keys, Alpina numbered plaque (No. 151), Alpina VIN plate, Alpina certificate of authenticity.

Exterior

Finished in metallic Avus Blue this rare E21 Alpina sits with a commanding presence and looks particularly sharp against our studio backdrop. In true Alpina style the lustrous paintwork is adorned with contrasting silver stripes across the front spoiler, rear panel, and along both sides. The original chrome bumpers have also been refinished in blue and look great alongside the black kidney grilles and window trims. The car is nice and straight along both sides with only a handful of minor paint defects and small blisters evidencing the car’s 43 years of age.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

The deeply supportive Recaro bucket seats are upholstered in attractive striped cloth, both in fine order with few signs of wear, even to commonly worn areas such as the driver’s bolster. The dash, door cards and centre console are also well presented having been treated to new leather trim in recent years, and the black Alcantara headliner is free from any marks or sagging issues; the carpets are also pristine. Some nice upgrades over standard include the Alpine head unit, VDO gauge pack, and Momo steering wheel which looks great paired with the wooden Alpina gear knob. The original Alpina plaque is also present and correct on the dash, this car being No. 151 of 533 uniquely numbered examples.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Lifting the bonnet is a real treat for the enthusiast with some nice cosmetic enhancements hinting at the car’s impressive fast-road specification. Equipped with Alpina cams and forged Mahle pistons the M30 block has been upgraded with a few nice mods including a larger B9 cylinder head, uprated fuel injectors, and a sports ECU programmed to handle the engine’s extra horsepower. The slick 5-speed manual transmission is equipped with a short-shift kit, and power is transferred to the rear wheels via an Alpina limited-slip differential. For the new keeper’s peace of mind, a full mechanical inspection and MOT have just been carried out (February 2023), and the last service was completed in November 2022. The car performs admirably on test and is without doubt the most rewarding E21 we’ve driven.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The car sits on original 15-inch Alpina staggered alloy wheels, all in perfect unmarked condition having previously been refurbished to a very high standard. They are shod in a matching set of Federal tyres, with 5mm of tread left at the front and 4mm at the rear. The brakes have also been checked and remain in fine operational condition, bring the car to a stop quickly and in a straight line.

History File

Believed to be one of only 83 surviving cars around the globe, this striking example is No. 151 of just 533 B6 2.8s ever produced by Alpina, all in left-hand drive. It was ordered new from Buchloe by a German dealer in July 1979 with production completing in April 1980. The original build specification and purchase price of 47,490 DM are well documented in the accompanying paperwork from Alpina, and an official certificate of authenticity is also on file. Originally finished in Henna Red, the car’s paintwork was fully refreshed in striking Avus Blue Metallic prior to the current keeper (of 12 years) taking ownership.

With a B6 2.8 in Polaris Silver selling for $141,000 in the US in February 2023, this particular example offers exceptional value. And, with its current fast-road set-up, this special Alpina is ready to be driven and enjoyed exactly as intended by its next custodian.

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