28th Jul, 2024 12:00
The Gold Cup Classic & Performance Car Auction
1983 BMW 323i
***NO RESERVE*** A barn find first-generation 3-Series, notably a desirable late model with manual transmission
Registration - VJM 415Y
Chassis No. - WBAAH3208C7277550
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 116,243
This characterful BMW 323i is described as a bona fide barn find, that’s been off the road for the past 20 years (an original tax disc is dated November 2004). The vendor says it is resplendent in all-original condition, from the metallic red paintwork, to the cream interior, which is in surprisingly good order, given the fact this is a 41-year-old car. This is backed up by “stacks of history,” confirms the vendor, including plenty of receipts and the original book pack that features a service history book with plenty of stamps. It even features the pre-delivery inspection stamp, dated April 1983.
‘VJM415Y’ is believed to be one of the final E21s built, before BMW switched to the E30 3 Series. Its rarity is further underlined by the factory-fit air conditioning system; if E21s were fitted with air con at all, it was usually a dealer-fit system. The odometer of this 323i reads just over 116,000 miles and an HPI check reports there are no mileage discrepancies. It hasn’t been written off, stolen or scrapped, either. E21 BMW 3 Series in such original condition are real rarities these days, and this will be a worthwhile restoration project for a marque enthusiast.
The BMW 3 Series has been in continuous production since it replaced the 02 series in 1975 – and the E21 was the original generation. A real case of right first time, it introduced the world to the concept of the sporty compact saloon, a driver-focused chassis and powerful engines combined with the very highest standards of engineering. Perfect styling under the director of Paul Bracq added to the appeal – and earned the E21 BMW 3 Series a place in Design Museum London’s “fifty cars that changed the world”. The E30 BMW 3 Series followed the E21 in 1983, and BMW really hasn’t looked back since; even today, a new 3 Series remains one of the finest cars in the world.
In summary:
- Highly original E21 BMW 3 Series
- Features ultra-rare factory-fit air conditioning
- Extensive history records include a service history with 14 years of stamps
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Sold for £5,062
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)
Auction: The Gold Cup Classic & Performance Car Auction, 28th Jul, 2024
This auction of classic, performance and supercars took place on the final day of the prestigious Oulton Park Gold Cup weekend.
Please click on the image below to discuss finance options with the Apollo Capital team led by Andy King and David Moss, experts in luxury, supercar & hypercar finance for more than 25 years. Before you bid, you must make sure you have the funds ready or have approved finance in principal with Apollo.
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