Introduced at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Roadster S was only the third open-topped BMW two-seater that Alpina had worked its magic on.

Using a BMW Z4 3.0i Roadster as its basis, the newcomer boasted a thoroughly reworked 3.4 litre DOHC straight-six engine, ZF six-speed manual gearbox, recalibrated suspension, altered rear axle ratio and 19-inch alloy wheels.

With some 300bhp/362Nm on tap, the two-seater was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 5 seconds and 170mph! Only in production for two years due to tightening emission regulations, just 370 were sold worldwide (of which 167 were RHD, UK cars).

Finished in Black Sapphire with Red leather upholstery, this particular example – Number 163 – was supplied new by the Sytner Group.

Warranted to have covered some 103,000 miles from new, ‘B3 XSS’ pleasingly retains its original owner’s wallet, handbook and service book.

Subject to a recent alloy wheels refurbishment, the Roadster S has the further benefit of fresh tyres.

A rare and...