1991 BMW 320i Cabriolet Auto (E30)

HIGHLIGHTS


  • Genuine 44,787 miles from new
  • Completely original and unrestored
  • Full black leather interior
  • Original book pack and history

THE APPEAL


As far as timeless designs go, the BMW E30 3-Series has to be up there among the very best. Stylish and desirable no matter what the body style, the agonisingly pretty E30 is one of the Bavarian firm’s most recognisable icons, as well as an increasing popular choice of classic.  

Introduced in 1983 as the replacement for the E21 3-Series, the new model was wider, squarer and perfectly proportioned. It was a triumph of simplicity over excess and a wonderful piece of design. It came as no surprise, then, when BMW converters Baur started to chop the top off early cars to offer them as convertibles, which were sold semi-officially through BMW. 

They were such a hit, though, that after three years of selling conversions BMW decided to go it alone with a factory convertible, introduced in 1986. The E30 soft-top was a sensation, and almost overnight became the car to have for aspiring social climbers.

As icons of the yuppie era go, the soft-top E30 is up there with the Porsche 944 and Mercedes-Benz SL – and this one is an incredible survivor, having been in occasional use only throughout its life and wearing a genuine mileage of below 45,000 from new.

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THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK


  • UK V5C
  • MOT June 2024
  • Three owners
  • Original book pack and documents
  • Selection of service paperwork and receipts
  • Service book stamped to 41,848 miles – current mileage of 44,787
  • Verified genuine mileage
  • Some old MOTs

THE INTERIOR


  • Full black leather in good overall condition
  • One small amount of wear on driver’s side seat bolster (see photos)
  • Electric windows 
  • Central locking
  • Original toolkit, jack, first aid kit and spare wheel
  • Period Sony radio-cassette
  • Very good dash with no notable cracks to dash top
  • All dials, gauges and switches work as intended
  • Electric roof currently doesn’t function – needs retracting manually

THE EXTERIOR 


  • Classic Alpine White
  • Panels are all straight and dent-free 
  • Hood in good order but will require replacement rear window
  • Smart lattice-spoke alloys in good overall order with minor kerbing
  • Three centre caps missing
  • Appears structurally excellent underneath
  • Stunning -looking car in completely original condition
  • One minor rust bubble to nearside sill
  • One small dent on the drivers door
  • Original chrome in good overall order
  • All badges and trim present and correct
  • The roof has been converted to a manual convertible rather than electric but it can be rectified if needed in the future
  • Overall lovely condition – just one of two minor cosmetics needed to bring it to perfect

THE MECHANICS 


  • 2.0-litre straight six
  • Automatic transmission
  • New cambelt and auxiliary belts fitted in May 2023
  • According to the vendor, the car drives very well indeed, with no apparent faults or issues

SUMMARY


If you’re in the market for an E30 Cabriolet then now is the time to buy, as prices are only going one way. This example is a pretty special one by virtue of its minimal mileage – just under 45,000 verified miles from new and presented in very smart unrestored condition. 

It’s a remarkably lovely car and a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine, correct and unmessed with E30 that can be turned into a show car with minimal effort. 



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.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1991
  • Make BMW
  • Model 320i Cabriolet (E30) Auto
  • Colour Alpine White
  • Odometer 44,787 Miles
  • Engine size 1990cc
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location London
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
19 bids
  • atlanti•••• £9,500 31/05/23
  • Midget•••• £9,300 31/05/23
  • atlanti•••• £9,200 31/05/23
  • Midget•••• £8,900 31/05/23
  • atlanti•••• £8,700 31/05/23
  • andrew.•••• £8,500 31/05/23
  • atlanti•••• £8,400 31/05/23
  • Midget•••• £8,200 31/05/23
  • atlanti•••• £8,000 31/05/23
  • jon1lew•••• £7,700 31/05/23

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