BMW’s very first 7 series, known internally as the E23, was first launched in 1977.

All E23s were fitted with 6-cylinder engines and the 735i took over at the top of the range from the 733i in 1979.

It had 215 bhp and a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds for the manual.

Contemporary road tests praised the big BMW for its superb handling and strong performance and braking, although the ride was a bit firmer than the class leaders.

The 735i was facelifted in 1983 and remained the flagship of the range until it was replaced by the E32 in 1986.

We are pleased to offer this 1983 BMW 735i in Henna red with grey velour interior, which was first registered in January 1983 on the plate ‘842 TTV’.

This is the facelift model, and, unlike the vast majority of 7 series, it came supplied with a manual gearbox - a very rare thing in its day and unheard of today.

It is in true ‘barn find’ condition so is quite clearly a non-runner, and we have made no attempt to start it.

Indeed, we are not entirely...