Alpina's B6 2.8 model was the first turnkey product the company produced as a manufacturer in its own right, of which 533 were created between 1978 and 1983. According to the vendor of this highly prized example - No.151 - only around 83 have survived worldwide, of which nine are understood to be dismantled as listed in the Alpina-Archive. He reckons there is only one other in the UK apart from the one he is now offering, which he claims is among the best anywhere. The first run of B6 models was achieved by inserting a tuned version of BMW's 2.8-litre straight-six engine into the nose of its smallest car of the day - the E21 3 Series. As originally offered this would have boasted 218bhp, but the vendor credits his car with nearer 245, which would be over 100 more than that of a standard 323i.

Its specification is certainly impressive and includes: Alpina cam and followers, Mahle pistons, 3.4-litre B9 cylinder head, original 2.8 M30 engine, replacement fuel injectors, sports ECU programmed by BBR, and stainless steel performance exhaust; five-speed 265 Getrag gearbox with Alpina Z3 short shift; full Alpina suspension, RPM top mounts, Bilstein B6 dampers; 2-pot brake calipers with Black Diamond Predator sports pads; Alpina 15 inch staggered `cotton reel' alloy wheels; Alpina spoilers front and rear; additional Alpina 36-litre fuel tank; Alpina prized Rear Diff, VDO/Alpina gauge pack; Alpina striped sports seats; Alcantara headlining; Black leather Momo Corse steering wheel; upgraded dash roll, gear lever and handbrake gaiters, and door cards; Alpina footrest; Alpine Hi-Fi system; central locking, self-arming alarm etc and three original keys.

Finished in Avus Light Metallic Blue, this special car which receives invitations to several prestigious events has been fully restored over the last 10 years by a BMW engineer in Switzerland and is now viewed by the vendor as having `excellent' bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, engine and gearbox. It comes complete with huge history file and full book pack and both LHD and RHD headlights.