The E28-generation BMW M5 was an incredible machine, but it was by no means the fastest car built on the platform when it debuted at the Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1985. Introduced the year before, the Alpina B7 Turbo 1 boasted more horsepower and clinched the title of the world’s fastest four-door production car. However, these were extremely rare machines, with only 236 examples ever made, meaning the chance to acquire this immaculate example heading to Aguttes’ Autumn Sale on November 30th is one you shouldn’t pass up. 

Under the bonnet, Alpina honed BMW’s M30 3.5-litre inline six cylinder with reprogrammed engine management, a modified cylinder head, lighter Mahle pistons, a new camshaft, and a special exhaust manifold. Let’s not forget the titular KKK K27 turbocharger either, which helped the B7 Turbo 1 produce a still-impressive output of 300 horsepower; 18 more than the E28 BMW M5. However, the engine was just the start, with Bilstein suspension and more potent Girling disc brakes ensuring the B7 Turbo 1 had the handling to back up its attention-grabbing looks.

Speaking of which, the B7 Turbo 1 has all the typical Alpina visual upgrades we’ve come to know and love, including a muscular front air dam, 16 inch multispoke wheels, and those glorious gold Alpina stripes. Step inside, and you’re treated to fabric Recaro seats with Alpina’s signature green and blue accents and the lovely Alpina-specific steering wheel and gearknob combination. Combined with the mechanical upgrades, it made for an extremely enticing package, and period road testers found that the B7 Turbo 1 was even faster than the spec sheet claimed, with one Swedish magazine managing the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in just 4.8 seconds before topping out at 270 km/h. 

This stunning Henna Red example has been cared for by just four previous owners and its odometer currently reads a healthy 120,000 km. As far as 1980s super saloons go, it doesn’t get much better than this! 

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