In 1965, following success in the financial markets, Burkard Bovensiepen set up a BMW tuning shop on the grounds of his father’s Alpina typewriter factory. Over the next few decades, Alpina cars enjoyed significant competition success, notably their sensational 1970 season, in which they won the European Touring Car Championship, Spa 24 Hours, and German Hillclimb championship. This ultimately led to the development of exclusive road cars based upon BMWs.

Chassis 38695 is an Alpina C1 2.3, the first Alpina to be based upon BMW’s revered E30 platform and one of 35 examples built. Modifications to the M20 motor included custom-designed Mahle pistons, exhaust, ignition system, dry sump lubrication, and a close-ratio five-speed gearbox. Exterior details include front and rear spoilers, Alpina’s signature silver pinstriping, and a 20-spoke wheel design. Both the Lapis Blue exterior paint and the black with blue/green stripe cloth interior are believed by the consignor to be original. Recently imported from Japan, this car has been serviced and safety inspected. The car was also treated to an extensive recent detailing and is accompanied by a tool kit. The odometer showed just under 65,000 km (about 40,000 miles) at the time of cataloguing.

The Alpina C1 offers the extraordinary qualities of the E30, with exclusive design improvements thanks to Bovensiepen’s vision. The company’s race record, limited production numbers, and a timeless design ensure the long-term appeal of this C1.