highlights

Highly original example presenting in a superb condition, with only one previous owner from new
Extensive documented history, including original BMW order form
Benefiting from an excellent sympathetic restoration undertaken in 2016
Documented top-end engine rebuild in July 2022 at a cost of approximately £600

The Appeal

The second generation 3-series, better known by its internal model designation E30, was a highly successful compact executive car built by BMW between 1982 and 1994. Offered in a number of body styles throughout its life, the factory-built Cabriolet arrived in 1985 and was accompanied by a number of model updates, including the introduction of the larger capacity 325i.

We are proud to offer here for auction a very special example of the BMW 325i, having been in the long term ownership of its original owner until acquisition by its current owner in 2019.

Presenting in an amazingly original condition, this gorgeous Brilliant Red 325i benefits from a recent sympathetic restoration, with this work subsequently being documented in an article for BMWcar magazine. Coming with a meticulous history file, commencing with its original order form, this BMW now offers a rare and unique opportunity to acquire a beautiful piece of motoring history.

The History and Paperwork

V5C present
1 former keeper
MOT valid until 22/08/2024
Extensive and detailed documented history from new
Original order form from Sycamore BMW Cambridge, detailing the factory and dealer options of leather trim, cross spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension, mud flaps, CD sound system (£1043.48!), touch in paint and fitted floormats.
Original stamped service booklet with full service history
Original owner’s handbook and dealership pack with a lovely copy of the original sales brochure
Many invoices detailing previous service work undertaken to the car, including recent service and top-end engine rebuild (as per attached photographs)
Copy of BMWcar magazine featuring the article covering the restoration
2 sets of keys

The Interior

Presented in black leather over grey carpet, the interior of this 325i could only be accurately described as outstanding
Featuring its attractive and original slim steering wheel with a bank of iconic white-on-black gauges upfront and a 5-speed manual gearchange falling beautifully to hand, the sporting intent of this BMW cabriolet is clear
Appearing totally original and benefiting from sympathetic reconditioning during its recent restoration, the interior of this E30 is a joy to behold. The leather presents in a gorgeous soft and subtle condition and is free of any rips or tears, showing instead only the mildest patina of a cherished life well lived
Interior switch gear is also all totally original and still features its astonishingly expensive-when-new Pioneer CD sound system with its control panel nestled between the driver and handbrake
The owner reports that recently the tachometer and fuel economy gauge have ceased to function, a common fault affecting the E30 model and something which we believe could be easily rectified

The Exterior

Presented in the classic BMW shade of Brilliant Red, the largely original paint of this 325i still gleams following its restoration in 2016, which included a thorough paint correction process
The owner reports that only the bonnet and rear valance have received fresh paint, with the rest of the car still wearing its original paint very well indeed
Refurbished original factory option cross-spoke alloy wheels present in as-new condition, with excellent tread all round
Very straight original panels all round, with excellent uniform panel gaps. Minor areas of slight bubbling noted over the front aspect of the nearside rear wheel arch and at the rear aspect of both front wheel arches
BMW factory hardtop in black supplied with the car. Purchased by original owner around a year into ownership and still in excellent condition with only a small tear in the fabric visible over the offside rear aspect
Manual soft top also in excellent unmarked condition with no signs of splitting or cracking of the rear screen
External trim all presenting in an excellent condition and reported to be original apart from a replacement front bumper of original specification

The Mechanics

2494cc straight six engine with Bosch Motronic fuel injection giving super smooth performance with plenty of torque
5-speed manual transmission
Benefiting from a recent documented recent top-end engine rebuild in July 2022
Front brake overhaul undertaken last year
Owner reports out on the road the car performs very well without any concerns
Underneath the car is reported to be in excellent solid condition with no evidence of significant corrosion

Summary

A rare opportunity to acquire a gem of a BMW 325i Cabriolet. Stunningly original and accompanied by a comprehensive history file since new, this 3 series offers its new owner the fabulous opportunity to acquire a really superb example of a true motoring legend.

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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