Desirable top-spec manual model in ultra-rare colour
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 wears its yuppie colours with pride, right down to a boxy NEC car phone that even still works.
Supplied new in 1988 to a freight and shipping company in Dorset, the 325i was driven by one of the company’s directors from new and was bought by her from the company at two years old, so in essence it has had just the one lady owner. She owned it all the way through until this year and would be keeping it had she not moved to live in the USA.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT October 2023
One lady driver from new, first as her company car and then privately owned for over 30 years
Original book pack and documents
Huge folder of receipts and invoices documenting 34 years of maintenance
Service book stamped to 111,806 miles – current mileage of 112,840
Has covered less than 600 miles since 2012, kept in dry storage and used only on owner’s occasional visits back to the UK.
Every MOT certificate back to 1993
Original Cellnet User Agreement for mobile phone, which still powers up
NEC car phone operators’ manual
Immobiliser
Three sets of keys
THE INTERIOR
Light tan leather in good overall condition
One small hole on driver’s side seat bolster (see photos)
Electric windows
Central locking
Factory mats with wear commensurate to mileage
Original toolkit, jack, first aid kit and spare wheel
Period Pioneer radio-cassette
Very good dash with only one small crack to dash top
Very small cracks around heated rear window switch
All dials, gauges and switches work as intended
Original BMW glove box torch
Period NEC Cellnet mobile phone in apparently working order
THE EXTERIOR
Ultra-rare Malachite Green
Panels are all straight and dent-free
Hood replaced by BMW and in excellent order
Smart lattice-spoke alloys in good overall order with minor kerbing
Appears structurally excellent underneath
Stunning -looking car in completely original condition
Some minor areas that will require slight cosmetic attention: rust bubbles on passenger side door bottom and OSF wing
Original chrome with some deterioration to bumper blades
Vendor has ordered a replacement BMW bonnet badge
Overall lovely condition – not perfect but with a very gentle patina that would respond better to light recommissioning than restoration, to retain as much originality as possible
THE MECHANICS
2.5-litre straight six
Five-speed manual transmission
New MOT and health check carried out in October 2022, but the car has seen minimal use over the past decade and a thorough check over and inspection is recommended before it is driven any distance
According to the vendor, the car does drive well and with no apparent faults or issues
SUMMARY
Put simply, there won’t be another E30 like this. The rare specification and fabulous colour scheme are a big part of its appeal, but more significant – perhaps – is the incredible story this car has to tell. 34 years in the care of the same owner, who was both a complete petrolhead and a huge lover of her E30, a car that stayed a constant as others came and went. The only reason she’s now selling is because she’s permanently resident in Texas, and the BMW remains here in the UK. A remarkable, lovely car that deserves to be carefully brought back to A1 condition and thoroughly enjoyed. It won’t take much to get it there and a more genuine and original example you’re unlikely to find.
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.
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.
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