Once in a while something special comes along. Not all of you might agree, but certain BMW E30’s are regarded as classics. Take the M3. Even twenty years on, they demand good money and are still hailed as great “drivers’ cars”. I’ve been lucky enough to own some fabulous cars over the years and even now I still mention my old E30 325i with fondness.
I was working for BMW at the time and one of our master technicians had just put a new block and pistons (long story) in his. Upgrading, he was looking for a new home and for just £800 I bit his hand off (metaphorically speaking of course). It was a four door with a manual box, dolphin grey and standard spec. I had a friend who owned a 911 Carrera 4 and “when it was safe to do so”, Ferdinand’s finest couldn’t shake me off. It wasn’t just quick, but absolutely rapid. The back end squatting on takeoff and the slick sounding straight six whining away round the speedo. The only downside was the rain; Light car, power, rear wheel drive. Sideways.
I always kept an eye out for the more desirable 325i Sport, but prices were high. Still, two years of fond ownership and I would quite happily have another. Which brings me nicely to the latest edition on our virtual forecourt. The 325i convertible.
Back in the 80s the 3-series rag top showed you as having a great lifestyle. It stayed at the top of the tree for years until the competition caught on and pummelled it fair and square. Now, pick up a pristine example and you’ll still be a cool petrol head. The styling remains retro, clean and just-so, and like this one, the 2.5-litre engine is, for me, the only one to have.
Strike lucky and you could just find a manual. In fact, this 325i convertible is perfect: Some prefer leather interior but cloth is more hard-wearing. If only I had the cash. Better news for those with two-grand burning a hole in their pocket, winter is the perfect time to buy as you can generally haggle strongly on price.
Savour the moment. Whoever is lucky enough to buy this, any chance of a drive sometime?
Ad reads:
325I CONVERTIBLE 92/J RARE METALIC LAGOON GREEN MOST SERVICE HISTORY 4 OWNERS POWER HOOD EXCELLNT MOHAIR HOOD PAS E,WINDOWS C,LOCKING ALARM IMMOBILISER RECARO CLOTH TRIM 5 SPEED 15″ X SPOKE ALLOYS YRS MOT LOOKS & DRIVES SUPERB. £1995
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