Welcome to our auction for ‘G517 VDX’, which is a lovely BMW 316i with just over 87,000 miles covered since new.

In an original condition bar the alloy wheels – and the originals come with it – we are told it has been MoT’d and serviced every year.

Finished in the very of-the-period colour of Zinnoberrot Red, it’s been in the seller’s hands for 14 years and given he’s only its second owner, you might start to understand why it’s as good as it is.

All of which means the seller has sufficient faith in you all to offer it with no reserve, trusting the market will value it accurately and fairly.

The boxy 316i presents well, doesn’t it? With very good panel alignment and consistent shutlines, it tells nothing but a good story.

The of Zinnoberrot Red paintwork has a good shine to it too, and reminds us that red cars were very much the thing in the 1980s; greed was good and so you worked your way up from this to a Mars Red VW Golf GTI 16V and then the Guards Red Porsche 911 Turbo.

Ah, h...