Registration: NAB890Y
Chassis: WBAAH1203C6723663
Odometer: 31,000
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• 0 litre 6-cylinder engine
• Barn-stored for some years
• Subject to £11k of recommissioning work at marque specialists in 2019
• Credible low mileage
• In original specification

The BMW E21, the first generation of the BMW 3 Series, was produced from 1975 to 1983. It marked a pivotal moment for BMW, setting the foundation for what would become one of the brand's most successful and enduring model lines. Introduced as a successor to the BMW 2002, the E21 offered a blend of sporty performance and everyday usability, catering to a growing market for compact luxury saloons. The E21 featured a range of inline-four and inline-six engines, which provided a balance of efficiency and power. Its design, characterized by the iconic kidney grille and a sleek, minimalist profile, was the work of Paul Bracq and Manfred Rennen. The E21 also pioneered the use of the driver's-focused cockpit layout, a hallmark of BMW interiors. Throughout its production run, the E21 earned acclaim for its handling dynamics and build quality, solidifying BMW's reputation for producing driver-oriented cars and setting the stage for the successive generations of the 3 Series.

We are delighted to offer this 1982 BMW 320/6 in Opal Green with tan cloth interior. First registered in August 1982, the car was supplied by Carl Norris (Motors) Ltd of Mustow Green to a Mr Torkington. It would appear from the paperwork that Mr Torkington enjoyed his 320 so much that he kept it for the next 20 years. That said, apparently he didn’t do very much mileage in it - the 2002 MOT certificate records only 21,659 miles. Since then it has done only a further 10,000 miles. We can never guarantee mileage but the extensive collection of MOT certificates and overall condition leads us to believe the current recorded mileage to be entirely credible.

There is a gap of 5 years when the car wasn’t MOT’d and it is believed that during that time it was stored in a barn before being recommissioned in 2019. It’s fair to say that it was a very thorough recommissioning - almost 100 hours and a total bill of £11,146. The work was carried out by renowned BMW specialists, Lindop Motors of Southport and as well as the rather scary invoice there is a handwritten breakdown of all the work undertaken. Work since then has included renewing the gearbox oil and fitting a set of good quality Vredestein tyres.

Outside, the car presents extremely well and the rather cool 13” turbine alloy wheels are in great shape. There are a few marks that it has picked up over the years but overall it would be a car that almost anyone would be proud to display at a show. Inside is arguably better still, the dash and interior plastics look very fresh and, although it is not currently fitted, the original stereo is in the boot. Incredibly, the light coloured cloth of the seats has remained very clean, however, there is a just a little wear on the base of the driver’s seat that can be seen in the photographs. The manual sunroof works and there is no indication that it is anything but watertight.

Having been driven by us to the nearby Tatton Park Classic Car Show, we can report the engine is creamy smooth with a light but positive gearchange and brakes which are surprisingly strong for an early Eighties car.

The car comes with V5C, bundle of MOT certificates, full book pack, bundle of maintenance invoices, old tax discs and parts invoices and two keys. The vendor has had some reproduction dealer stickers for the supplying dealer, which is always a nice touch.

To many the E21 was the car that cemented BMWs reputation as the “Ultimate Driving Machine” and kick-started the enormous success it has had over the last 4 or so decades. Sadly, very few of these remarkable little saloons survive and even less have BMW’s silky six. With values of the flagship 323i increasing steadily, the 320 looks like it could be the sweet spot of the range and this is a great example at a very sensible reserve.