Opportunities like this come about incredibly rarely.

A cherished, one-owner example of one of the 1980s best-handling sports-saloons, this BMW 323i Alpina has been carefully looked after by its sole owner during the course of its 40 years on the road.

‘A597 FAL’ was bought new from Sytner BMW of Nottingham, and is believed to be one of the only – perhaps the only – example of an Alpina-tuned four-door E30 3-Series left on UK roads.

Presented in red with deep Alpina front splitter, side graphics, and black rear spoiler, the ensemble is completed with classic Alpina alloys.

Powered by Alpina’s tuned version of the BMW 2,316cc petrol straight-six petrol engine and manual gearbox, ‘A597 FAL’ boasts optional extras such as a full cream leather interior, central locking, electric sunroof, green tinted glass, rear headrests and the original Blaupunkt Boston radio cassette player with electric aerial.

The original features on this car are astounding, including Sytner dealership plates, t...