ALPINA B11 3.5 - The Unknown Original 'Bahnstormer' (1 of 331 built)

Some cars have a presence that is so utterly commanding you find yourself just wanting to stare at them almost more than drive them.

This ultra rare and barely known super sedan certainly is one of them. This particular car is a re-import from Japan and as is usual with cars from the land of the rising sun it is highly spec'd, rust free and low mileage.

The engine is a modified M30B35 3.5L 2 valve straight 6 delivering super smooth and refined power delivery. The engine was often put into motorboats due to its torque curve and earned it the nickname 'boatmotor'. Alpina deployed classical modifications such as a sharper cam, lightened pistons, stainless steel exhaust with headers, tuned ECU and optimized intake with throttle body adjustments to arrive at a 20% power increase over the base engine.

Even though it lacked the prestige and extreme value of the V12 counterpart the B12 5.0 this B11 3.5 is a classic in Alpina history and brings together some of the greatest aspects of the brand - power, refinement, understatement, performance and exclusivity on top of world-class handling for a car of this size and weight.

Point in case - the rear seats (in the late 1980s!!):

The most interesting thing about the older 7 series is how much room you actually have inside. Yes, it is smaller on the outside than contemporary ones but the room and space perception inside the cabin is vastly different and feels much larger than in today's versions.

Signature Recaro bucket seats, fully powered and heated as well as Alpina specific leather upholstery make for some very cozy and luxurious long distance travel.

Typical details such as Alpina 20-spoke staggered wheels, Alpina stripes and badges as well as custom suspension (Bilstein/Eibach) in combination with Michelin tires and Alpina dials and front fascia round of the visual experience.

Calling this sight 'mean' doesn't even begin to adequately describe it yet it still comes across as elegant sophistication - genius design language.

Needless to say the base car already offers plenty of design touches and well rounded proportions to build on. Of note is the spoiler lip which is carefully crafted into the trunk lid and connects to the upper rear shoulder line as well as the BMW typical rather high built greenhouse and rather slim front overhang:

In addition the E32 began the long standing tradition characterizing BMW rear lights to this day - the L-shape:

Usually a car's front-end is the place to look at but with this particular platform I'd say the rear takes the cake.

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