1993 BMW

Many believe this is the most beautiful and stylish BMW ever built. The stunning 8-series (factory code E31) was BMW’s prestige project, in which the factory in Munich set its sights on assuming the crown from the Porsche 928 and Mercedes SL and S class Coupe. At least 1 billion Deutschemarks were invested in order to launch a sporty and luxury coupe that would really put a hurt on the competition. Which sounded fine as preamble, and indeed an initial order for 5,000 of these cars was placed immediately after the car’s launch at the IAA in Frankfurt, but unfortunately, due to continuously increasing fuel prices, a global recession and the reckless plans of Saddam Hussein, the wealthier of the world were not in a buying mood at that time. BMW’s original plan to produce 100,000 of these cars proved wildly overoptimistic. Ultimately, only 30,000 cars in the entire 8-series were produced. That's less than the number of VW Polo’s that roll out of the factory in one month! But today that’s good news for aficionados who want such a beautiful, genuine and exclusive model. In a market where the interest in and appreciation of iconic cars of premium brands is continuously rising, this means increasing value, too. Unfortunately, those who want to drive such an icon will therefore have to put down a little more if they want quality and driving pleasure, as BMW intended it to be. Sure, it’s still possible to buy one for less than 10 grand, but your fingers will fit easily between the front bumper and hood. The true enthusiast therefore hopes for the lowest possible mileage, a damage-free body and proven service history. And of course a car that still looks ‘like new’. How easy life can be ... see here. I have not seen a model of this quality in at least ten years. Spectacularly beautiful and fine.

Sold new in Monaco to a foreign minister of doubtful provenance (better to speak rather than write more about this) who had a country estate in the South of France. This car was always dealer maintained. After the ministers’ death, his eldest son summarily sold off his father's beloved car collection. The second owner bought the car from the son, and then later sold the car to me. Fortunately, he was a real car lover and kept the car perfectly maintained. Always garage stored. An excellent model.