Notice to bidders: The end date of this auction has been extended to accommodate the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen
Highlights
Dry stored and cherished example
BMW’s first production V12
Show stopping bright red colourway extremely desirable
The Appeal
The 8-Series BMW was designed as a step quite above the 6-Series, BMW’s top-of-the-line. With this in mind, BMW spared no expense in its development. This car represented years of computer-driven development and engineering for the new body shape, which was still very much new at the time. This of course came along with a significant boost in aerodynamic performance, not to mention price tag.
This was a car of firsts for BMW, they were really trying to push the envelope of what could be developed for the grand tourer market and beyond. That being said, the 8-Series was BMW’s first production V12, first BMW to use a multi-link rear axle, and one of the first vehicles ever to use electronic drive-by-wire throttle.
This particular 850ci is an extra sporty example, with a highly desirable colour combination of bright red paintwork and black leather interior. This example is an original spec, unmodified and showing little signs of wear for the mileage driven. The owner has had the vehicle exterior repainted but kept it to its original colours. In addition to this, the wheels have been refurbished to a very high standard.
The current owner purchased the vehicle during the pandemic as a project to enjoy and restore along the way. With the original intention to tour the car for years to come, another project has now sprung up and the owner is now changing focus, as you do.
While the history file is mostly lost from previous owners, the cars visual condition shows it’s been well looked after. The current owner dry stores the car and only drives it for pleasure, when it isn’t wet out, and when there are no clouds on the horizon.
Black colour perfectly suits the sporty nature of the red exterior
All electrical equipment said to be in working order
Overall condition better than expected for the age
Climbing into this car, you’ll instantly note the driver-centric design of the whole interior, specifically the dashboard and centre console controls. The touch-and-feel of the materials used is traditional BMW high-quality. The buttons, knobs, gauges, and instruments are all within easy reach of the driver, and intuitively placed for ease-of-use.
While the interior shows some signs of wear and tear from normal use, it is not at all intrusive of the driving experience. The headlining is new and in near-perfect condition. The door panels and interior trim are equally glorious. The current owner also assures us that all of the electronics are in working order except for the radio itself. All windows operate smoothly. There’s an aftermarket immobilized fitted.
The boot is very spacious and tidy and contains the tool kit, albeit missing some of the tools. The CD changer in the boot is also not present.
Bright red paintwork increases the sporty nature of this GT
Repainted exterior in excellent condition
Car was fitted with new tyres when the wheels were refurbished
The exterior of this 850 is in above average condition for its age, with the respray in very good order. While there are a couple of light scratches and small rock chips from the road and general use, as well as some imperfections on the front bumper by the headlights, these issues do not detract from the overall excellent condition of the car.
The window glass is in good condition, rather tidy and with the small chips expected from normal use, but nothing larger than a small stone impact.
The wiper trim, rubbers, and exterior plastics are all intact and in great condition. All of the exterior badges are in great condition as well.
The headlight and taillight lenses are clear, and the indicator lenses show no hint of fogging or haziness.
The original wheels are absolutely stunning, with a refurbish completed recently to a high standard. The tyres still show plenty of tread as pictured.
The generous V12 sprang to life with no hesitation, and quickly settled to a healthy idle. The overall appearance of the engine bay is very tidy. The owner assures us that everything is in excellent working condition, and there is no knowledge of any work that needs doing other than a small oil leak, which is hardly noticeable.
The owner also states that the steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear are performing as well as they should, and better than expected for the age. The automatic transmission connects smoothly into all gears, and the engine accelerates as to be expected from a V12.pcKuDJZTsRwiBWCKTpB1gk75KFTmPL29jIEjU905.jpeg944.09 KB
Summary
This is an opportune chance to own a V12 BMW, in an enticing colour combination which accentuates the vehicles performance roots. It was designed as BMW’s flagship grand tourer, and is clearly engineered to be a machine you can drive and enjoy to its fullest, no matter how long the drive is. With its pop-up headlights, pillarless panorama-style side windows, and timeless design, there are many features which will keep you smiling.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
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