“Reminds me of the 3.5 B9 Alpina we briefly had – “Squareriggers - how cool do these look compared to modern Bimmers?!”
VIN. WAPB7TL0168730253
Engine no. 6506
Estimate: US$125,000 - US$165,000£93,000 - £120,000 - Lot to be sold without reserve
3,453cc SOHC KKK K27 Turbocharged Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Fuel Injected
320bhp
5-Speed ZF Dogleg Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
* The ultimate expression of the E28 series
* One of only 42 Katalysayors built and one of just 4 believed to be fitted with a ZF dogleg 5-speed
* Single owner from 1987-2015
* 95,800 km (59,530 miles) recorded
THE ALPINA BMW
Founded in 1965 by Burkard Bovensiepen in Kaufbeuren, Bavaria, Alpina began producing tuned BMW models in the 1960s—well before BMW's own Motorsport division introduced its now-legendary "M" cars. A close collaborator with BMW from the outset, Alpina was granted official manufacturer status in Germany and played a pivotal role in shaping BMW's high-performance reputation through both its road cars and numerous motorsport successes.
At the time, the BMW 5 Series provided the ideal foundation for Alpina's engineering expertise. Renowned for its build quality and dynamic balance, the E28 platform offered a wide range of engines and transmissions, allowing Alpina to transform this refined German sedan into a genuine supercar contender.
Introduced in 1984, the M535i sat at the top of the E28 range with 218 bhp—impressive, yet insufficient for certain clients. Until the arrival of the 286bhp M5 in 1985, Alpina's B7 Turbo was the only alternative. Equipped with a KKK K27 turbocharger, the Alpina-developed M535i produced an astonishing 300bhp at the wheels—outperforming even the M5. In 1986, the B7 Turbo received a catalytic converter, yet Alpina succeeded in making it even faster and more powerful than its predecessor. With 320bhp, 375 lb-ft of torque, a 0–60mph time of under five seconds, and a top speed of approximately 170mph, the figures speak for themselves.
Priced significantly higher than both the M535i and the M5, the B7 Turbo was produced in limited numbers—approximately 236 examples in total. Of these, only 42 were built in "Katalysator" specification, and just four are believed to have been equipped with the ZF dogleg five-speed manual transmission.
THE CAR OFFERED
This B7 Turbo/3 Katalysator was delivered new on September 16, 1986, to Nicole Racing Japan, Alpina's official importer in Japan. Designated as a press car, it was specified with a high level of equipment, including Schwartzblau Metallic paint with signature Alpina stripes, heated Alpina seats and upholstery, air conditioning, electric sunroof, power windows, headlamp washers, and a special audio system. First registered in 1987, the car remained with Nicole Racing Japan for much of its life and was meticulously maintained. It was imported to the United States in 2015 when purchased from Japan by Mr. Fox of Canyon Country, California. Extensive service documentation is available from this period, including work carried out by 2002 AD in Pomona and Eurasian Automotive in Pasadena.
With fewer than 60,000 miles recorded and documented maintenance history from its home market, the car was already in highly original condition when acquired by its current owner in 2022. In addition, $14,442 was spent in 2019 on significant maintenance, including a complete brake overhaul, replacement of the head gasket, numerous oil and fuel lines, and suspension bushings throughout. The car has also been fitted with a modern Blaupunkt Bremen head unit, faithfully replicating the design of period-correct 1980s radios. As one of the rarest road-going Alpinas ever produced, this B7 Turbo/3 Katalysator represents a true collector-grade automobile. Offered with a comprehensive history file—including a copy of its original purchase invoice, Japanese and U.S. service records, and a U.S. title—this exceptional Alpina is the missing cornerstone of any serious 1980s performance car collection.
