In the mid-1980s, the idea of a four-door saloon with genuine performance car credentials was still a leftfield proposition.
BMW’s own M5 had only just arrived and Mercedes-AMG was still an independent concern. However, for those who wanted something rare, fast and quietly serious, Alpina occupied this very particular space.
This 1985 BMW Alpina B10 3.5, which goes up for auction on Saturday 25 July at Iconic Auctioneers’ BRDC Classic Sale at Silverstone, is a fine example of why.
Based on the E28-generation 535i, it was supplied in right-hand drive by Sytner of Nottingham, Alpina’s official UK outpost. The car is understood to be the fourth of 25 Sytner B10 3.5s sold in period.
Finished in Diamond Schwarz Metallic – and with the registration ‘B10 ALP’ remaining with the car – it cuts quite a dash, even four decades later.
A subtle performance saloon
Alpina’s relationship with BMW is one of automotive history’s great tuning stories (although calling Alpina a tuning company rather undersells its expertise).
In 1983, the German Ministry of Transport recognised Alpina as a vehicle manufacturer in its own right, and its cars have always possessed a different character to BMW’s own M models.
While the M division tended towards harder-edged motorsport thinking, Alpina usually took a more measured, grand touring approach. More power, yes, but also better breathing, revised suspension, distinctive trim and a particular blend of speed, comfort and restraint that made its cars so appealing to buyers in the know.
In 1985, Alpina partnered with Frank Sytner to sell and assemble UK-market cars through his Nottingham dealership. The so-called Sytner Alpinas received their 3.5-litre engines, suspension, trim, badging and dashboard plaques from the Alpina factory, before final assembly was completed in the UK.
This particular Alpina B10 3.5, build number 5537, is one of those UK Sytner cars.
A cherished UK Alpina
Bought in 2001 by an Alpina enthusiast, the B10 was treated to a partial restoration before the owner sold it to a friend who took the work somewhat further.
The car received a glass-out respray, plus new seals, front and rear bumpers, door handles and Alpina badges. Inside, it gained a replacement dashboard, Alpina steering wheel, retrimmed rear door cards, new front door cards, a new headlining and a glass ‘moon roof’ with the correct sliding panel.
The chassis was poly-bushed, and the braking system refreshed with new front calipers, brake lines, discs and pads. The engine bay was also tidied with a powder-coated rocker cover, repainted airbox and various new detail parts.
The current keeper has owned this car for eight years, during which time it has been well maintained. Today, it shows 102,852 miles on the odometer and is offered with a fresh MOT.
This B10 3.5 is a rare survivor from a period when Alpina was helping to define the European performance saloon. Not as obvious as a BMW M5 and far less common, it is the sort of car that appeals to those who value rarity, usability and quietly serious engineering.
Could that be you? We think an estimated sale price of between £45,000 and £50,000 looks tempting value if so, particularly given the private plate is included. The bidding opens at Silverstone on 25 July.
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