THE B6 ALPINA
Beginning production in November 1978, the Alpina B6 2.8 was based on the BMW 323i—chassis code E21—and featured numerous performance upgrades carried out by the Bavarian tuner. Under the hood, the 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine received forged Mahle pistons, modified combustion chambers, and a higher compression ratio, while a Zenith-Pierburg-DL fuel-injection system further aided in boosting both power and fuel efficiency.
This smooth-revving, 200-brake-horsepower engine was then mated to a Getrag five-speed manual transmission rather than the base 3 Series’ four-speed. Bilstein struts with gas-pressure shocks and shorter, stiffened springs provided more responsive handling. The braking system featured ventilated, drilled discs up front and solid discs at the rear. Meanwhile, front and rear spoilers were more than just cosmetic and improved aerodynamics.
OUR B6 ALPINA
Offered from a client's collection, this B6 2.8 is number 24 of just 533 examples produced from November 1978 through January 1983. It was delivered new in April 1979, finished in Delphin Grau and was equipped from the factory with power mirrors, a larger fuel tank and a 25-precent locking differential. It has since been restored and still has the stunning color of Delphin Grau Metallic. Correct Alpina graphics, 20-spoke wheels, and twin exhaust outlets, complete the wonderful period look.
Inside the cabin, correct Recaro bucket seats with cloth inserts featuring Alpina’s signature blue and green stripes further enhance the 1970s performance aesthetic. A rare Mk.I E21 still sports the original sliding levers for heating and a single door mounted mirror, adding even more to its rarity.
Other authentic Alpina-branded details in the driver-focused interior include the leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel, wood shifter knob, and rare Alpina 260km/h gauge cluster. Auxiliary gauges and a Bavaria AM/FM cassette stereo inhabit the center console, while an etched plaque inset in the dash reads “B6-024,” testifying to the car’s exclusivity and rarity.
While little is known about the vehicle’s very early history, records show that the car was in Germany until 2002, after which it moved to its next owner in The Netherlands. Several documents on file indicate that the car was registered in the Netherlands and that it was maintained and finally restored around 2009. The current owner ( a real Alpina enthousiast!) acquired it in 2020 and imported the car to Belgium it to an extensive private BMW & Alpina collection where it was used sparsely.
An early example of the coveted Alpina BMW, this B6 2.8 represents a major performance improvement over the standard 3 Series of the day. Already a spry sport sedan, the extensive modifications transform the little car into a lively driver’s delight. With so few built, this Alpina will surely occupy a unique position in any garage and stand out at wherever it goes.
The car comes with a large binder full of documents, invoices and more.