One to Buy: stunning restored Fjord Blue 1976 Alpina B2
The earliest Alpina-tuned variants of the Paul Bracq-styled E12 arrived very soon after this, the first generation 5-series, made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1972. Having initially only been offered with a four cylinder engine, BMW introduced an E12 with the fabled M30 six cylinder motor from 1973.
The Alpina B2 came on stream in 1976 and most notably featured an engine taken out to just under three-litres. Alpina also fitted a trio of Solex carburettors (instead of just one), upped the compression ratio to 9.5:1 (from 9.0:1) and fitted a free flow exhaust system. Peak output went from 167bhp at 5800rpm to 227bhp at 6750rpm and 172lb-ft at 4000rpm to 195lb-ft at 4500rpm.
Also included as part of the B2 package were ventilated brake discs, adjustable anti-roll bars, a rear axle with 3.45:1 ratio (as opposed to 3.64:1), front and rear spoilers, 7 x 14-inch Alpina wheels, an Alpina steering wheel, an Alpina gear knob and Scheel seats. An Alpina decal kit was available via the options list.
Set to go under the hammer at Mecum’s Indy sale on May 16th is what is almost certainly one of the finest Alpina B2s to exist. A first year of production example from 1976, this particular B2 was equipped with every conceivable Alpina option as evidenced by the accompanying German Fahrzeugbrief.
The car heads to auction in outstanding condition throughout having been the subject of a ground up nut and bolt restoration by marque specialists. The stunning Fjord Blue paint is complemented by a Blue and Green Alpina decal kit which works perfectly with the Black corduroy fabric upholstery.
Opportunities to acquire an Alpina from this era are rare enough as it is, but to find a car in seemingly as-new condition makes this an opportunity not to be missed.
Reprinted below is Mecum’s description:
Fjord Blue paint with Blue and Green Alpina deco stripes
Alpina 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine with three carburetors
Getrag 5-speed manual transmission
Ground-up nut and bolt restoration by marque specialist
A rare early Alpina, based on the E12 528
One of a handful of naturally aspirated examples produced
Documented with BMW certificate
Complete restoration dossier
