BMW Alpina E38 B12 (5.7 litre, V12), 1998
Chassis No.: WAPBC57L08RD30122 Engine No.: 70012269980 Registration: R546 KDS For those who know, this is one of only nine right hand drive cars ever made and, we believe, is the only one for sale in the world right now. The car was previously owned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of the Brunei Royal Family. Originally delivered new to Sytner Nottingham in 1998, this car left the U.K. very early on to join the exclusive and extremely desirable car collection of Prince Jefri Bolkiah of the Brunei Royal Family (BRF), notably believed to be the only B12 in the collection. 25 years later, our vendor has sourced, purchased and repatriated this very special vehicle. Where most E38s have suffered from high mileage, or cosmetic issues such as rust, this example has lived its life in a temperature-controlled garage in a dry climate and has only covered a paltry 26,000 miles. To bring the car back to showroom condition a significant amount of expenditure, with marque specialist BMR Performance, has been lavished upon it to refresh any age-related mechanical niggles and service needs, as well as having the BMW Schwarz/Black II paintwork professionally detailed. Exterior enhancements on this rare vehicle include an Alpina lower front lip, 20” Alpina wheels, optional Alpina pin-striping and the ‘B12 5.7 Switchtronic’ badging on the rear, all fitted in period by Alpina in Germany. Underneath the long bonnet lies an Alpina tuned version of BMW’s legendary M73 V12 powerplant. The ‘boffins’ in Buchloe increased its displacement to 5.7 litres, fitted new pistons, a new air-intake and high-compression Mahle pistons. This brought power output to a healthy 385bhp and a top speed of 174mph, which is quick now, never mind in the late 90s. Handsome yet simple proportions of the E38 7 Series are complemented by the Schwartz II paintwork which has undergone a thorough detailing. The exterior trim is in good condition, with all rubber seals intact and shining with vitality. This car benefits from new Alpina stickers and badging, adding the last detail to complete the exterior of the car. The panel fit and finish of this car remains consistent, something to be expected of a car built during BMW’s prime and another nice touch are the period correct Sytner Nottingham plates. Inside this car boasts a matching black interior with all the Alpina embellishments. Everything in the E38 interior is luxuriously trimmed, with supple leather lining most surfaces. We are informed everything works as it did 20 years ago, even the speedometer with crisp and bright orange pixels. While there are plenty of E38s to go around, many of them have heavy mileage, or have suffered the indignity of ‘enhancements’ such as having their suspension lowered, inappropriate wheels fitted, and the interior ‘improved’ by fitting wildly indiscreet head units and sound systems. This isn’t one of those cars, it’s something far more interesting and unique. In right hand drive format, with 26,000 miles and impressive provenance from the Brunei Royal Family and many thousands of pounds of invoices to back up the car’s integrity, this is a very appealing collector opportunity for the ever-growing young timer audience. One of BMW’s best creations, tuned by Alpina no less and in stunning order, safe to say this will continue to be collectable for many years to come. https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=4229&au=76