Chassis No. WBAAA710709538695

Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG, or simply Alpina as the company is better known, can be credited with establishing BMW's reputation for manufacturing high-performance cars as well as the marque's early success in hill climbs and touring car racing. The Bavarian tuning company gained the factory endorsement of BMW in the 1960s with its highly tuned BMW race engines, and eventually widespread recognition with the performance of the production Alpina C1. Based on the E21 3-Series, the firm perfected the art of extracting performance and refinement from BMW's inline-six, and continued its development on the new E30 3-Series with the C1 2.3.

Debuting in 1984, the C1 2.3 made use of a tuned M20B23 six-cylinder engine delivering 170-horsepower and enabling a top speed of approximately 132 mph. Alpina also outfitted the C1 with Bilstein shocks, larger brake discs and calipers, 20-spoke light alloy wheels, and as with all Alpina models, cosmetic upgrades including new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and distinctive Alpina graphics. With only 35 C1s produced between 1984 and 1986, it stands out as one of the most exclusive models in Alpina's history.

This Japanese-market Alpina C1 is finished in Lapis Blue (173) with Silver decor over an Anthracite cloth interior featuring woven blue and green accent stripes. The sporting upholstery is complemented by an Alpina leather-wrapped steering wheel with anodized spokes, a rosewood shift knob with an integrated Alpina emblem, and an Alpina plaque mounted forward of the shifter. Additional interior appointments include a BMW Business radio, a power sliding sunroof, power windows, and air conditioning. This C1 is said to have been imported to the US from Japan in 2016 under previous ownership and spent time in California prior to being acquired by the Texas-based consignor in 2017. Showing just over 65,000 kilometers at the time of cataloging, this nicely preserved and exceedingly rare Alpina C1 2.3 is an exciting modern classic that would make a worthwhile addition to any collection of important German sports cars.

Addendum & Administrative Notes

Due to California emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.