While it's probably an attitude that has lingered for a while, now more than ever there seems to be a hankering in automotive enthusiasts for the past. As the future for those on four wheels looks increasingly uncertain and unfamiliar, so former glories become ever more appealing and interesting.
Arguably that sentiment applies most strongly to BMW, and by extension Alpina. Nowadays there is a bewildering array of niche-busting models in the BMW line up, and even Alpina was forced down the diesel SUV route, but of course it wasn't always like that. Once upon a time BMW and Alpina solely occupied themselves with the very finest sports saloons and coupes on the planet. By and large Alpina still does, certainly, though the frustration in some parts at BMW's endless diversification arguably comes from its simple line up being so effective for so long.
Anyway, that's probably a more detailed discussion for another time. It does serve, however, as a tangent to draw attention to this rather lovely Alpina B10 3.5, of E34 vintage. As Alpina is making unnecessarily shouty videos about orange B4s and BMW decides its two-tonne luxury car is worthy of a 'Competition' tag, so this B10 represents a more humble and straightforward time. Yes, even with the stripes.
The first Alpina 5 Series of the E34 generation used an evolution of the 535i's M30 straight-six. Of course, without turbochargers the modifications had to be of the old fashioned kind, with Mahle pistons replacing the standard ones, a higher compression ratio, a racier cam and other tweaks liberating 260hp. With the M30 lump replaced by the end of 1992, production of this specific B10 finished earlier than any other Alpina E34s, meaning that even the youngest ones are now more than 25 years old.
Given their age, you would hope that classic Alpinas are being cherished, and this B10 appears to be a perfect example. An original Sytner Alpina commission from 1990, hopefully you'll agree that Island Green with gold stripes and grey leather is a fantastic colour combination. Given HowManyLeft states there are only 11 B10s remaining in the UK (remember there were E39 B10s, too), there's every possibility it could be the only one in the country in this specification.
Moreover, a recent restoration means this car looks in fine fettle, with new parts fitted under the skin as well as more obvious bits like the fresh badges and refurbed wheels. Certainly you wouldn't guess at it being a 165,000-miler, and hopefully this sort of work means it can continue to be enjoyed by its next owner. This sort of thing is hardly going to become less desirable, is it?
Is £17,000 a lot of money, though? It could be argued so, given E34 M5s are available at the same price with fewer miles, though those cars won't have the restorative work recently undertaken on the Alpina. In addition, what price do you put on rarity? Standard and presentable E34 5 Series are hard enough to find on their own, let alone the Alpina versions.
For representing a glory period for both BMW and Alpina, for reminding us all what a handsome car the E34 is, and for showing off just how great green is on cars, this B10 looks a deeply desirable old thing. £17k? For us, it's worth every single penny...
SPECIFICATION - ALPINA B10 3.5 (E34)
Engine: 3,430cc, straight-six
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 260@6,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 240@N/Arpm
MPG: 26.9 (mean average from Alpina-Automobiles figures)
CO2: Pass
First registered: 1990
Recorded mileage: 165,000
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £17,250
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