PRICE WHEN NEW: 44.800 MARK
NUMBER BUILT: 533
COLOR: IBERIAN RED
OWNER: CAMERON PLEWES
LOCATION: CALGARY, CANADA
The story of this particular B6 ALPINA began not in the roaring spectacle of a racetrack, but in the quiet efficiency of a finishing line in Iberia, back in December of 1978. Its initial custodian was the official ALPINA distributor for Liechtenstein and Switzerland, Max Heidegger in Triesen. Registered in January 1979, this B6 served its early life as a demonstrator, a rolling testament to the unique skill ALPINA employs to elevate the driving experience. After a period showcasing its prowess, the car transitioned to two more owners before a significant chapter unfolded in February 2019. It was then that Plewes, drawn by its unique pedigree, acquired the B6 and brought it across continents to Canada.
For the preceding 25 years, this B6 had been under the meticulous care of a prior owner, its history diligently recorded through extensive documentation. Plewes inherited not just a well-maintained machine, but a legacy of ownership that prized preservation. The car remained in its unrestored glory, a genuine survivor of its era, its story further enriched by its appearances at various maintenance records and car shows. Recognizing the significance of this unblemished history, Plewes entrusted renowned BMW author and historian Jackie Jouret to delve into the car's past, ensuring its unique narrative was brought to light.
The pivotal moment in this E21's journey occurred in January 1980, when it found its way to the ALPINA Buchloe factory for a significant transformation: the B6 2.8 conversion. ALPINA kept meticulous records confirmed this B6 as the 160th of only 324 Series 1 B6 2.8 models ever crafted. The heart transplant involved fitting the B6 with the potent M68 engine, further enhanced by ALPINA's signature touches. These included Mahle pistons creating a higher compression ratio and a combustion chamber shape tailored to a redesigned cylinder head. The original fuel injection was replaced by twin Zenith carburetors sourced from Pierburg, and the ignition system was upgraded to a Hartig computerized unit. These comprehensive upgrades resulted in a significant power increase, pushing the output to 200 horsepower at a spirited 6,000 rpm.