Lot details
Registration No: B551SJA
Chassis No: WBADK620508334079
Mot Expiry: Nov 2010

It is hard to credit that the now mighty BMW was close to insolvency in the 1960s. The company's meteoric rise to a position of considerable strength arguably took a mere 10 years and was achieved, not by startling innovation, but sound engineering and skilful evolution. The inaugural 5 Series (E12) range was very much a product of the company's unique reincarnation and, now in its fifth generation, has done a great deal to keep furthering that success. Launched in 1972, the E12 followed BMW's formula of the time - a spacious, airy body powered by an efficient SOHC engine and mounted on MacPherson struts at the front and semi-trailing arms at the rear. Penned by Marcello Gandini, the three box design had a simple grace about it that ably set the tone for a model line up that's now in its 37th year. The second generation range (E28) was introduced in 1981. Once more, evolution rather than revolution was at work - subtle changing to the styling and mechanicals helping to ensure the 5 Series stayed ahead of the opposition. The 520i option was powered by a 2.0-litre version of the excellent M20 12-valve straight-six cylinder engine. While the performance was naturally more leisurely than that of the bigger-engined cars, the 520i nevertheless offered grace, space and acceptable pace in abundance.

The righthand drive 1984 520i offered was built in 1984. Equipped with optional four-speed automatic transmission, it is finished on Zinnerbar Red and trimmed in brown/grey cloth upholstery. Apparently highly original, it has only had one owner from new. Supplied and serviced by Williams of Manchester throughout its life, it boasts 25 stamps in the service book. The vendor describes the coachwork as "very good save for a couple of minor blemishes and definitely above average for its age". The engine and gearbox are said to be "excellent", as is the interior. The recorded mileage of 58,000 is presumed to be genuine. `B551 SJA' is a true time warp machine and even has the original 1984 BMW-supplied touring kit still boxed up in its boot. This car represents a rare opportunity for lovers of the ubiquitous 5 series.