The car was in the possession of its last owner for around 10 years and has been used very sparingly during that time, a fact reflected in the very low indicated mileage (one we have no reason to doubt) of 57,988 miles.

It is brought to us today by a trade seller.

We have driven the car and can attest to the fact that the absolute beast under the bonnet appears to have lost little of its potency.

Unsurprisingly, the 5.0-litre, 500bhp, V10 power unit makes the car go like a nervous cheetah at a fireworks display, with the inestimable bonus of a tonal range that runs from Tom Waits, through Pavarotti, to Robert Plant.

If you ever get bored of hearing it, see a therapist.

The car drives exactly as it should and the roof goes up and down as instructed.

The bodywork is straight, true and devoid of any significant dinks, dents, creases, ripples or folds that shouldn’t be there.

The shut-lines and panel gaps are consistent and even, too.

This was a flagship car for BMW and the build q...