Launched in 1978, Alpina’s B6 model took the 2.8L inline-six out of the big brother E12 528i and stuck it into the chassis of the E21 323i. Revisions from Alpina yielded 200 horsepower; pretty impressive for the period – but more was to come, as a new induction system in 1981 cranked it up to nearly 220 horsepower. For some perspective, the ‘high-performance’ L82 Corvette cranked out 220 horsepower at the same time. Coupled with Alpina’s aerodynamic revisions, improved suspension, and awesome turbine wheels – not to mention some fantastic interiors – it’s no surprise that these were popular; at least, by Alpina standards. The company sold over 500 of the model, though they’re relatively hard to find today. Today’s beautiful ’79 is number 66 of the run, and for good measure it’s been turned up more than a few notches.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1979 Alpina B6 2.8 on eBay
Year: 1979
Model: B6 2.8
VIN: WBA42420620007659
Engine: 3.8 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 53,500 mi
Location: Palos Verdes Peninsula, California
Price: $56,000 Buy It Now
This car is being auctioned @ garage dream auctions
VIN: WBA424-206-20007659This 1979 Alpina B6 is #66 of 533 produced and has been repainted in its original dark blue color over a black cloth interior with blue and green striping. The original 2.8-liter engine has been replaced by a 3.8-liter inline-six, which was reportedly rebuilt by Metric Mechanic of Richland, Missouri and is pushing over 270 HP. Recent mechanical work done to this Alpina included a replacement fuel pump, filter, pressure regulator, accumulator, injectors, ignition coil/ module, spark plugs, and air-flow meter. The 15’ Alpina rims were refinished and are in outstanding condition along with fresh Bridgestone Potenza tires. There are 86k kilometers on the odometer and the true mileage of the vehicle is unknown.
These are truly a fun and exciting driving experience and compared to a E30 M3 very different and more fun because of the power and torque. Don’t miss out on this unique driving experience.
The car does appear in the Alpina Archives, which not only lists it as in the US but confirms a 3.8 was slotted in. It also notes that the car was originally brown. Purists will want to look away, as the color change and non-original motor should theoretically hurt value. But for me the result looks very impressive. With now a claimed 270 horsepower, this one should be a handful but a lot of fun, and the look is great. Is it E30 M3 money? Well, this is certainly a lot more rare to see and should easily out-accelerate one. $56,000 is a tall ask, and I genuinely wonder how they’re registering it in California given the strict engine swap rules there, but if you’ve got the money to buy in you’re probably not really worried about that last part.
-Carter
e21 is probably one of the least desirable Alpina platforms but this is still a really cool and rare Alpina. I think the Metric Mechanic replacement engine definitely devalues it as i) it is not original and ii) MM does not have the greatest reputation. I would normally say $56k is crack pipe money for this car, but in the last 6 months or so I have learned that no asking price is too crazy as buyers seem to be willing to spend crack pipe money on almost any old BMW. Yesterday on BAT a random automatic 840Ci sold for 33k and a 70k mile 325ix with accident history sold for over $40k. So in this climate why not ask for $65k for this car?
Too bad about the engine swap. Why does every BMW from this era seem to get a 3.8 swap? Why not just rebuild the original engine? Not every car needs to be made to go faster. Ugh. Can we take a minute to appreciate how great those old Alpina striped seats are?
Alpina’s only have significant value when they are original. If it doesn’t have the engine it came with from Buchloe it’s just a 323i with some Alpina bits. Front air dam is wrong too, among other things…
Those 3 succinct comments encapsulate everything a sentient buyer needs to know about this particular car. Hard Pass.
Personally I think the car would be great fun as something to drive however and wherever you wanted, which wouldn’t be happening were it original. Carter normally I think you’re opinion is spot on, but $56k as E30 M3 money… when 4 or more years ago???
@Steve O –
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1989-bmw-m3-57/ – $54,100
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-bmw-m3-129/ – $57,500
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-bmw-m3-126/ – $48,250
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-bmw-m3-109/ – $44,000
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1988-bmw-m3-116/ – $52,750
While not the most pristine or lowest mileage examples, it’s still certainly possible to get into an E30 M3 for the same asking price as this E21.
Thanks!
Carter
^^^ The last one in your list, the white on red, is a good looking car. I actually hadn’t been paying attention to E30 M3 prices, so it’s good to know that they all haven’t gone through the stratosphere. Thanks!