1978 BMW 320
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- Nice original example
- Rare sunroof
- Low mileage
- 2 owners from new
- Nice all-round condition
The Appeal
The BMW E21 is a truly iconic car that laid down the groundwork for what evolved into the E30. Launched in 1975 with a range of petrol engines, this 1978 model has the superior 2.0 litre straight-six engine and makes for an incredibly smooth ride, one that has become synonymous with the name BMW.
Previously owned by one gentleman for 45 years and garaged throughout his ownership, the car has done a shade over 56,000 miles, and since the pandemic, only made outings to the MOT centre, despite now holding historical status and being exempt.
The car presents exceptionally well for its age and is certainly a rare sight on the roads today. There are numerous bills to show regular maintenance through later years although the service book has sadly been lost. However, the engine appears in good order, has benefitted from a recent service, and in this condition, will certainly generate significant bidding interest. Not to mention it has an electric sunroof which is rare on this model.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1978
- 2 owners from new
- Brand new MOT
- Haynes manual and original owner’s handbook
- V5c present
- Full size spare, jack and brace
The Interior
- Full green cloth leather interior is completely original and presented in good order. There is some slight sagging to the drivers seat and a few marks here and there, but it all appears free from rips or tears
- Front headrests
- Carpets good with overmats
- Electric sunroof works as it did on day one
- The dashboard is free from cracks and all the switchgear is there and works as it should
- The centre console vinyl is starting to come free but this could corrected quite easily
- Door cards are all there with handles and pockets still intact
- Dry carpeted boot with full size spare, sadly not much remains of the original toolkit, just a solitary spanner
The Exterior
- Nice condition Green paintwork with black vinyl roof with just a few imperfections to be found around the car
- Small stone chip to bonnet
- Small dent and scratches to the front grille
- Wheel arches all in good shape
- Some minor scuffs to the bumpers
- Nearside wing mirror has a few scratches and there is some minor pitting starting to show
- Offside rear brake light has a small crack but all other lights are in good shape
- Original BMW wheels all look in good shape, the tyres have plenty of tread and it has two new front tyres
The Mechanics
- 2.0 litre straight six engine
- Automatic gearbox
- Recent oil change and service
- Solid underneath
- The car drives incredibly smoothly thanks to that straight six, and the vendor advises there are no issues to report or advise
Summary
This classic BMW 320 Automatic is a true gem for collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its sleek lines, iconic kidney grille, and renowned round headlights, it captures the essence of BMW's design philosophy from the era.
The 2.0-liter 6-cylinder engine provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, while the automatic transmission ensures effortless cruising. Overall, in fantastic condition for its age, this is a great opportunity to own a timeless piece of automotive history.
Notice to bidders
The 2.0-liter 6-cylinder engine provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, while the automatic transmission ensures effortless cruising. Overall, in fantastic condition for its age, this is a great opportunity to own a timeless piece of automotive history.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1978
- Make BMW
- Model 3 Series 320
- Colour Green
- Odometer 56,129 Miles
- Engine size 1990
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
16
bids
- cameron•••• £8,000 27/09/23
- weweath•••• £7,800 27/09/23
- cameron•••• £7,700 27/09/23
- davidfo•••• £7,500 27/09/23
- cameron•••• £7,300 27/09/23
- paul@pm•••• £7,100 27/09/23
- mehran-•••• £7,000 27/09/23
- david-m•••• £6,000 27/09/23
- mehran-•••• £5,500 27/09/23
- david-m•••• £4,850 27/09/23
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you\'re able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.