ALPINA Classic Cars for Sale

History of ALPINA

Founded in 1965 by Burkard Bovensiepen in Buchloe, Bavaria, ALPINA rapidly progressed from carburettor tuning for the BMW 1500 to a recognised manufacturer crafting high-performance automobiles. Close partnership with BMW facilitated technological leaps, like computer-controlled ignitions and pioneering catalytic converter implementation. Gaining full manufacturer status in 1985, ALPINA expanded through the 1980s and 1990s, delivering unique models including the B6, B7 Turbo, and B10 Bi-Turbo—all with distinct technical and design signatures. Alongside road cars, ALPINA was a formidable force in touring car racing, employing drivers like Niki Lauda and James Hunt and capturing European championships. Production remains at a tightly managed scale, typically around 1,500 units per year, with each car reflecting individual customer specifications and a dedication to engineering quality recognized by official German automotive authorities.

Model Ranges of ALPINA

ALPINA’s model lineage builds on BMW platforms while introducing radical technical and stylistic changes. Early in-house creations include the E21 C1, E28 B9, and E30 C2/B6—often the fastest or most capable saloons of their time. The late 1980s saw the B10 Bi-Turbo based on the E34 5 Series, a car credited for raising performance standards among luxury sedans. Through the 1990s and 2000s, subsequent generations like the B3, B5, and B7 extended to Touring (estate), Coupé, Convertible, and even V12-powered luxury flagships (B12). Rare variants, such as the B8 4.6 Touring or Z8-based Roadster, underline ALPINA’s focus on unique, small-series vehicles tailored to enthusiasts and connoisseurs, often with special production numbers and a blend of comfort and sporting prowess.

Unique Features and Market Highlights

Every ALPINA model arrives from Buchloe laden with distinguishing elements: the classic multi-spoke alloy wheels, subdued but unmistakable exterior stripes, and signature badgework. Interiors often mirror Rolls-Royce quality, using premium Nappa or Lavalina leather, blue ALPINA dials with red needles, and special plaque numberings. Drivetrains are hand-tuned for refined performance and comfort integration, featuring meticulously balanced suspensions and, for all-wheel-drive models, a distinctive rear-biased xDrive setup. Standard or optional features range from exclusive audio systems (Bowers & Wilkins, Harman/Kardon), heated memory seats, and advanced navigation, to a wealth of custom trim and inlays. Production exclusivity is evident: e.g., E46 B3 at 142 cars (14.2% supply share), E39 B10 at 12.3%, and some like the B8 4.6 Touring (27 built) as true rarities. Demand indicators show high desirability for E30 C2, E34/E39 B10, and B12 models, forming the nucleus of current collector and enthusiast attention.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collector Models

ALPINA routinely produces small batches suited for enthusiasts seeking rarity: the E46 B3 3.2 (85 units), B8 4.6 Touring (27 units), and B12 5.0 (97 units) exemplify exclusivity. Each special edition bears an individual production badge and is often built to unique customer specifications, sometimes with export-specific configurations (e.g., Japanese or US-market cars). Signed and certified documentation is commonly included, reinforcing authenticity.

Weak Spots and Maintenance

No widespread manufacturer-specific weak spots are catalogued for ALPINA models. Given their specialised engineering and low production volumes, sourcing unique ALPINA components (engine internals, body trim, specific wheels, electronic systems) can be more complex and costly than for standard BMWs. Regular, model-expert servicing is recommended. Maintenance benefits from the robust BMW base, but buyers should always inspect for complete documentation, original parts, and good maintenance history, especially for older or rare variants.

Engine, Transmission and Driving Dynamics

ALPINA’s reputation is forged on driveability paired with high performance. Adaptive suspensions, sport-modified automatics (Switchtronic), and a distinctive rear-drive or all-wheel-drive balance yield confident dynamics suited to both high-speed Autobahn cruising and daily commuting. Advanced engine modifications—such as forged internals and reworked induction—deliver strong, tractable performance. B5 Biturbo (from 2021) achieves 0–100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and up to 322 km/h, underscoring ALPINA’s record for producing the world’s fastest estate cars. Earlier icons like the B10 Bi-Turbo and B6 (E30/E36) highlighted the company’s ability to create civilised but devastatingly quick saloons. Notable models:

• B10 Bi-Turbo (E34): At launch, most powerful four-door saloon.
• B3 (E46, E36, E92): Broadest representation, highly demanded.
• B12 (E31, E32): V12 luxury coupes and saloons, rare in any condition.
• Roadster (E52): Exclusive Z8-based edition. Technical data varies heavily—power outputs and detailed specs are dependent on model and year.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

ALPINA aesthetics are instantly recognisable: the trademark 20-spoke alloy wheels, signature blue or green paint (Alpina Blau, Grün II), optional special paints, and subtle but assertive striping. Interiors are individually tailored with choices of Nappa, Lavalina, Alcantara, and unique wood or piano-black trims. Iconic blue ALPINA instrument clusters, hand-stitched steering wheels, exclusive plaques, and elaborate options like electrically operated panoramic roofs, head-up displays, or high-end hi-fi signify a focus on both daily comfort and discrete sophistication. Accessories and options include heated/ventilated memory seats, sports steering wheels, genuine Alpina decal sets, exclusive luggage, and more—most built to the customer’s precise brief.

Other Relevant Features

ALPINA vehicles carry unique chassis numbers, manufacturer VINs, and are recognised as fully independent cars by both BMW and the German Federal Motor Authority. Many models are delivered with extensive documentation (original folders, service books, certificates), often accompanied by rare accessories or brochures. Frequent export to markets like Japan and North America has led to market-specific editions. Numerous models were built exclusively with extended features or emissions standards to comply with local regulations (e.g. strengthened or revised drivetrain components, emission controls).

Summary

ALPINA classic cars represent the synthesis of German engineering, motorsport pedigree, and a philosophy of exclusive, detail-oriented manufacturing. Each vehicle—from a spirited B3 to a flagship V12 B12—combines factory precision with bespoke modification, delivered in limited numbers and finished to the highest standards. For those seeking a classic that offers everyday reliability, advanced engineering, and collector credentials backed by data, ALPINA models are a reference point in the upper echelons of the classic performance segment.