RM Sotheby’s upcoming Miami auction on December 10th has a delightful selection of early AMG and Alpinas that have left us daydreaming of arguably the peak decade for Autobahn missiles: the 1980s. While focused on two competing marques, the Alpina and AMG recipe was rather similar: add power, poise, and road presence to create the ultimate ‘bahn stormer.

Starting with the Alpinas, we have a wonderful early example of the tuning house’s work in the form of a 1979 BMW Alpina B6 2.8, which admittedly doesn’t quite fall in the 1980s, but just look at it! Based on the E21-chassis BMW 3 Series, this lovely Zypressengrun Metallic coupe is number 51 of only 533 models ever built. Next up, we have two BMW Alpina B7 Turbo Coupés, both finished in Diamond Black. The first is from 1986 and is number 58 of just 110 cars ever built. The second car is from 1987 and looks even more extravagant, boasting a custom Lipstick Red leather interior that contrasts perfectly against the subtle exterior paint. 

Moving over to the AMG camp, we have a stunning black over tan 1982 Mercedes 500 SL AMG 5.0. This menacing drop-top is the first of only eight cars produced for AMG North America with a manual five speed gearbox. Powered by a 5.0-litre AMG-tuned variant of the M117 engine pushing out a hearty 276 hp, this in one of the meanest R107s we’ve seen in a long time. However, if convertibles aren’t your thing, then you won’t be able to resist this 1987 Mercedes 650 SEC AMG 6.0 ‘Wide Body’. One of the most expensive cars of its era, this 560 SEC AMG boasts a period-tuned 385 horsepower V8 and the ultra-cool AMG bodykit. On the other hand, if it’s four doors you need, then the 1989 Mercedes 560 SEL AMG 6.0 offers all the thrills of the SEC with ample room for you and three of your friends. 

Which of these Alpinas and AMGs would be your pick?