PRICE WHEN NEW: 59.920 MARK
NUMBER BUILT: 149
COLOR: CHESTNUT, RED METALLIC
OWNERS: MITCH BROOKHYSER
LOCATION: HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
ALPINA, a name whispered with reverence among BMW aficionados, stands as a prime example of the few automotive marques that achieved near-mythical status. In a small factory nestled in Munich, Germany, during the early 1980s, a rare breed of machine was born: the E12 B7 Turbo. Over a brief four-year production run, a mere handful, rolled off the assembly line. Among this exclusive cohort was one particular vehicle, bearing the production number 168, whose destiny would eventually intertwine with David Brookhyser. This wasn't a car destined for the typical American dealership; ALPINA's creations often followed more circuitous routes to their final owners. The heart of this beast was a potent 3.0-liter engine, force-fed by twin KKK K27 turbochargers, unleashing a spirited 300 horsepower, all harnessed by the engaging tactility of a crisp five-speed Getrag transmission.
Brookhyser's initial spark of admiration for the BMW lineage ignited during his time as a firefighter. Surrounded by the robust machinery of his profession, it was the personal vehicle of a colleague that caught his eye – an E12 5 Series. Though not the fire-breathing ALPINA variant, the E12's elegant lines and understated presence resonated with him. He saw a blend of practicality, capable even of accommodating fire gear, and a subtle sophistication that planted a seed of desire. The thought of trading his utilitarian truck for something more refined, something perhaps more conducive to… well, the social aspects of life, began to take root. The idea of owning a BMW, a machine that balanced performance with a certain panache, was a thought he could not put aside. He mused over the various models, the engineering prowess, the reputation for quality. It was a decision that required careful consideration, a mental checklist of needs and desires. Ultimately, the allure of a BMW proved irresistible.
The dawn of the new millennium, the year 2000, marked the active pursuit. The printed pages of the March issue of the Roundel, the magazine for BMW enthusiasts, held the key. A classified advertisement, a beacon in the sea of possibilities, spoke of a car located far away in Texas. This particular E12 B7 Turbo carried with it a history, a European provenance that added to its mystique. Its journey began on display at Max Heidegger AG before making its way to the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland. Even after its eventual voyage across the Atlantic, the subtle markings of its Swiss sojourn remained, a quiet testament to its past. Somewhere in its timeline, between its German birth and its Texan address, the engine had undergone a rebuild at the hands of a dealership, a detail Brookhyser noted, adding another layer to the car's story. Finally, it had reached American soil, finding temporary residence in Massachusetts, patiently awaiting the discovery that would lead it to other chapters of its legacy, and eventually leading to being shown in the ALPINA: 60 Years of Excellence exhibit.