To fully appreciate an Alpina B10, it is necessary to drive the more modest variants first. It is only after a few hours behind the wheel of the standard car that one can appreciate the pressure Alpina were under to improve on a chassis that was already an industry game changer. As ever, the engineers at Alpina did not disappoint. The B10 Alpina suspension setup was sublime and offered improved high-speed road holding whilst retaining the already legendary, smooth and compliant chassis of the E39. The B10 took super-saloon handling to new heights and raised the bar for all manufacturers.

The engineering attention to detail did not stop there. BMW's silky smooth M62 V8, presented a challenge as the standard unit was already superb. Alpina worked their magic on virtually every aspect of the motor. Capacity was taken to 4. 6 litres, Alpina crankshaft, altered camshaft timing, Alpina pistons, Alpina cylinder heads, Alpina camshafts, Alpina engine management and Alpina exhaust system, took the power to 347 bhp with 480Nm of torque.

Alpina's now highly developed Switch-Tronic gearbox gave the best of both worlds. Automatic and silky-smooth manual changes with shift buttons on the back of the Alpina steering wheel. Shod with Alpina 19 wheels and larger Alpina front brakes to help support the increase in performance.

It wasn't left there. Aerodynamically the car benefitted from Alpina front and rear spoilers. Cosmetically the car was further garnished with Alpina stripes, Alpina exterior trim, Alpina badges, Alpina interior trim, Alpina instruments, Alpina leather, Alpina floor mats and Alpina embossed wood trim.

Our history with the current owner of this immaculate Alpina B10 goes back 25 years, enabling us to fully understand his incredibly high standards when he was looking to purchase a B10. The Alpina was to sit alongside his other cars in a beautiful and varied collection. We carried out a pre-purchase inspection on his behalf. The then owner ensured us we would not be disappointed with the condition. He was a car detailer and was able to pass on an encyclopaedic knowledge of his car. We were not disappointed. The car was without doubt one of the finest examples the workshop team had seen for a long-time. Our instruction was to buy this B10 before somebody else did.

We then performed an age-related program of preventive maintenance ensuring the car wanted for nothing, it was protected for future generations and utterly turnkey. The following was carried out prior to delivery:

Inspection II service

New brake fluid and coolant

All brake hoses replaced

Auto gearbox oil and filter service New cam cover gaskets

New rear suspension

New washer bottle

New n/ s/ r window seal

New o/ s/ r high gloss black trim New o/ s/ f door seal

New fuel cap

Rebuilt front brake calipers

Rear suspension arms

All new Continental tyres

New Alpina wheel badges

New windscreen

New Bilstein shock absorbers front and rear

Alpina wheels refurbished.

Removal of all undertrays and splash shields.

Bodywork inspection and very thorough underside clean.

Car, cavities and pipework protected with clear cavity wax and Tectyl ML.

The car has covered only 58, 000 miles and features an immaculate full-service history from Sytner BMW from new. The car is in show condition throughout with the peace of mind that the structure is as immaculate as the rest of the car having benefitted from thorough future proofing.

Alpina B10 V8 4. 6

Switch-Tronic

Build date July 2001

First registration date May 2002

58, 000 Miles

6 Owners

Full-service history

Alpina blue

High gloss trim

Alpina Individual cream leather, black piping Alpina wood trim

Alpina floor mats

Alpina gear knob and steering wheel

Alpina instruments

Alpina spoilers, stripes, badges and 19" wheels, Glass sunroof

Climate control

Auto dip interior and exterior mirrors

Xenon Headlights

BMW Alarm system

Side and passenger air bags

Headlight cleaning

Green top tint screen

On-board computer

Dynamic stability control

Rear blinds

Sport seats with electric and memory

Heated seats

Park distance control

Original BMW Hi-Fi and Monitor

Prior to hand over to the lucky new owner, the car will pass through the workshop for Inspection II service, PDI and new MOT.

The car will be handed over with all the original Alpina manuals, handbooks, service book, Alpina leather service wallet and supporting document file.

Please call Barney for further details of this as new condition, 174 MPH Alpina super-saloon.