Highlights
- Offers a light-to-medium restoration project
- Original, low-mileage example
- Just three keepers since new
- A wonderful throwback to an altogether simpler automotive era
The Appeal
Recent years have seen a cult-like following envelop the BMW E21. Its classic three-box lines and angled ‘shark nose’ are reminiscent of a late 20th-Century automotive era when things were simpler, less complicated and so much easier to live with.
The E21 is the first-generation BMW 3 Series and was in production from June 1975 to December 1983. It was extremely well received with almost 1.4 million produced worldwide. With the exception of convertibles made by coachbuilder Baur, the E21 was offered only in a two-door body style.
The 323i as offered here – presented in its original Henna Red (Code 052) paint colour – was the E21 range-topper and was introduced in 1977. It is powered by a 141bhp 2.3-litre inline-six engine offered Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection and an upgraded braking system with all-round disc brakes.
Factory options fitted to this particular example include Recaro sports seats up front, headlamp wipers, a full set of five Alpina alloy wheels and a five-speed close-ratio 'dogleg' sport gearbox.
History and Paperwork
- Just three keepers in 42 years – one for 41 years
- Acquired from deceased estate of family friend
- Current keeper has known the car since aged 4
- Barn-stored for 23 years, currently SORNed
The car’s data plate tells us that this Henna Red (Code 052) BMW 323i came off the line at BMW’s Regensburg plant near Munich sometime in June, 1980. As a RHD model, it made its way to the UK and – being the top of the range with a raft of appealing factory options fitted – is understood to have become a demo model for its initial few weeks in the UK. It was subsequently sold by L & C Auto Services of Tunbridge Wells and received its first UK registration on 19th September, 1980, to Mr Purseglove of Tonbridge, Kent.
The car’s former and only second keeper acquired the car from Romans BMW (where he worked) later in 1980. The current keeper recently acquired the car from that keeper’s deceased estate who was a long-time family friend. The car is currently SORNed and has been laid-up for a number of years in its present location – a den of automotive iniquity!
Accompanying the sale will be the newly-issued V5 certificate in the current keeper’s name, the original BMW Owners’ Handbook, the Pioneer owner’s manual and a stamped service history book to 38,000 miles in 1986, when it received a new cambelt. In addition, there is a file of service and maintenance invoices along with historic MoTs.
The Interior
- Everything is present, correct and intact
- Excessive wear to driver’s seat squab bolsters
- Remainder of interior is in remarkably good condition
- Comprehensive period Pioneer audio system
The interior of this 323i is entirely original and has aged remarkably well for its 42 years. Essentially, it’s just the driver’s seat that requires attention due to excessive wear and tear to the squab bolsters, but overall the interior would benefit from a deep cleanse to remove mould acquired over the years due to being parked.
The door cards, carpeting and roof liner present in very good condition but would equally benefit from the aforementioned deep cleanse. The boot space is entirely original and under the carpet lies the fifth Alpina alloy as a spare and the requisite tools. In addition, the tool set housed under the boot lid is complete as supplied by the factory.
The Exterior
- Original ‘Henna Red’; paintwork requires renovation
- Slight rust to rear wheel arches
- Original light fittings and brightwork
- Original 13-inch Alpina alloy wheels require refurbishment
Presented in its ex-factory colour of Henna Red (paint code 052), this 323i is in need of full renovation to its exterior to remove surface rust. The car’s brightwork is all present and in good straight condition but would also benefit from some elbow grease.
There is a full set of five original 13-inch Alpina alloy wheels which afford the car its late 70’s /early 80’s appearance, but are in need of refurbishment to elevate their standard. At the photoshoot, our photographer noticed very little rust on the car, but did capture some evidence around the rear wheel arches, as pictured in the gallery below.
At the front, the headlight lenses appear clear and the front and rear plastic indicator/reflector lenses exhibit little evidence of UV-bleaching. A cursory glance along each flank shows no evidence of collision damage. All apertures open and close correctly and all body panels appear straight and true.
The Mechanics
- Three original keys
- Low-mileage engine requires recommissioning
- Brake system will need reconditioning
- Mechanicals will need a thorough going over due to long lay-up
Notes made by the former keeper suggests that the ‘the engine requires new rockers and shafts because of as previous home repair (which worked by welding a bit to the auto tappet adjuster) to compensate for wear. The car also requires a fuel pump and the injection system needs fettling and all fuel lines replacing’.
The underside and lower side sills present in remarkably good condition, with little natural oxidation evident that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age, especially having been parked up for so long.
Summary
Here we have a BMW 3 Series Mk1 in – to be fair – reasonably good shape considering its rather sad circumstances of recent years. The current vendor who acquired the car from the deceased estate of a family friend is of the opinion that it shouldn’t take a fearful amount of time or financial investment to recommission the car and get it back on the road again where it belongs.
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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