• Offered from The Carrera Collection
• Number 113 of just 555 examples produced
• Odometer shows just 9,064 kilometres at the time of cataloguing
• Powered by Alpina’s F5 V-8 engine, producing 381 horsepower delivered through a five-speed Switch-Tronic automatic gearbox
• Accompanied by a first aid kit, owner’s manuals, tool roll, and warning triangle, and hard-top roof

In the early 1960s, a member of a famed family of industrialists, Burkard Bovensiepen, endeavored outside of their typewriter manufacturing business to develop performance parts for BMW products. After matching a Weber twin-carburretor to a ‘New Class’ 1500 model and marketing this 20 horsepower increase, BMW decided to certify this modification with its official warranty in 1964, thus creating the partnership that lasts to this day as the Alpina brand.

At the turn of the millennium, BMW released the Z8, a modern reinterpretation of the beloved 507 model updated for the modern age. Featuring the classic roadster proportions with a short deck and long nose, the Z8 also retained some of the earlier roadster’s styling cues such as the wide kidney grills and side vents. It was just not cosmetics from the 507 that the Z8 inherited—the newer roadster also featured V-8 power, this time in the form of the S62-coded engine developed by BMW’s Motorsport division.

In 2003 Alpina introduced their interpretation of the Z8 as the Roadster V8. This model distinguished itself as a grand touring style vehicle compared to its more sporting sibling by utilising the 4.8-litre type M62 V-8 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided a much more relaxed drivetrain and considerably more torque at lower engine speeds. Despite the slightly lower horsepower figure, the Alpina V8 Roadster was no slouch; it could see 100 km/h in just over five seconds and did not run out of breath until the speedometer read an electronically limited 260 km/h.

With the overall aim to increase passenger comfort, the Alpina received softer suspension and abandoned the hard side walls of the Z8’s standard run-flat tyres, and more conventional rubber was wrapped around 20-inch Alpina wheels. Inside, the seats feature soft Nappa leather, blue-faced Alpina gauges, and a three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles. Just 555 units were produced over the production period making the Roadster V8 a rare and highly desirable automobile for exclusive BMW enthusiasts.

Produced in January 2002, the Alpina on offer is serial number 113 of 555, as displayed on the numbered plaque found in between the seats, and is finished in Titansilber Metallic over a Schwarz Nappa leather interior. Like the vast majority of Roadster V8s, this example was delivered new to the United States, but records indicate that the car has been in Europe since at least 2002. Just 9,064 kilometres show on the odometer at the time of cataloguing and as a result, the Alpina remains in very well-preserved condition. Within the documentation on file, a number of invoices display maintenance work performed in 2013 and 2015. The most recent of which shows the Alpina received new fluids and filters at that time. The car will be accompanied by a first aid kit, owner’s manuals, tool roll, and warning triangle, and hard-top roof.

One of the most exclusive BMW models of all time, the Alpina Roadster V8 is a stylish grand touring machine with head turning looks. Such a finely preserved example will make a wonderful addition to any distinguished collection of automobiles.

Please note, as this vehicle is stated to have been delivered new to the US market, buyers in European countries are encouraged to investigate the feasibility of road registration prior to bidding.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass dieses Fahrzeug neu in den US-Markt geliefert wurde. Käufern in europäischen Ländern wird empfohlen, vor der Abgabe eines Gebots zu prüfen, ob eine Straßenzulassung möglich ist.

Please note, according to the US CARFAX, this car suffered flood damage and was recorded as a total loss insurance write-off in the USA in October 2012. Please contact an RM Sotheby’s Car Specialist for more information.

Bitte beachten Sie, dass dieses Auto laut US CARFAX einen Wasserschaden erlitten hat und im Oktober 2012 in den USA als Totalschaden gemeldet wurde. Bitte kontaktieren Sie einen RM Sotheby's Car Specialist für weitere Informationen.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/cc23.