A 1978 Alpina B7 Turbo is being traded online with the biding already at $100,375 and a few days remaining on the clock. It was one of the Buchloe tuner’s first BMWs to ever receive a large-scale overhaul and simultaneously the first mass-produced B7 Turbo E24 model bearing the serial number B7-001.
The tuning company brought this car to the IAA Frankfurt in September 1978. Later on, it was actively used as a demo vehicle, showing up in numerous ads and mass media publications, becoming a celebrity of sorts. It was then acquired by a private collector who had kept it until 2022, when someone from the USA bought it.
Compared to the BMW 630 CSi that it is based upon, the Alpina features a redesigned exterior, local interior changes, a tweaked suspension, disc brakes and staggered 16-inch wheels.
The biggest highlight of the whole build was the engine, though. Alpina took the stock 3.0-liter inline-six unit and gave it new injection, pistons, turbos and other components. As a result, what used to be 180 PS (178 hp / 132 kW) became 300 PS (296 hp / 221 kW). The B7S modification was even more impressive with its 330 PS (325 hp / 243 kW). A Getrag five-speed manual gearbox sent the momentum to the wheels. The car hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds and could ultimately reach 250 km/h (155 mph).
The example on sale is far from being a time capsule with over 183,000 kilometers (113,000 miles) under its belt. Still, careful driving and regular maintenance have preserved it in excellent condition, the seller claims.
