1982 E21 - 38k mile Time Capsule Survivor - Rare Sport Model - Henna Red

1982 320is38K original miles time capsule survivorDistinct and Classic Henna RedThe E21 to Own? Up for bid is this very special car. I've often thought that a car's fate is largely determined in the first 10 years of ownership. Even better should it go a full 20. Every once in awhile a very important enthusiast car squeaks by nearly unscathed. They were kind of meant to be driven hard and thrashed about. Most were. I get that. But for the collector phase of life. this is what we eagerly await. This vehicle had a single owner since 1987. She adored this car. She worked at CNN in Atlanta and probably didn't have time to drive it much. It was as much a jewel in the closet as a car in the garage. It shows. E21 Heritage --Many of you will know a great deal more about this model than I. Allow me to indulge you with a few thoughts on this pivotal phase in the company's history. Having recently enjoyed almost surprising success with the 2002 model. BMW needed to make a move. The 3. 0CS was highly praised. but also showing it's age and being phased out. They could rest on their laurels and enjoy the reputation of smartly designed. sporty (sometimes even cute) cars or. they could be bold. I think it's fair to say they chose the later. The driver oriented cockpit was just being introduced in the 5 series. It was an important design direction that was emblematic of the engineering goal. Making the ultimate driving machine. is ambitious and it certainly starts with the driver. In nearly all measures this was a significant leap forward in driving experience. Gone was some of the frailty. The stance becomes a bit stiffer and stickier. It was still a lightweight sport-oriented machine with excellent road feel. but a bit more "flexed". Kind of like a rock climber's forearms. The 3 series direction and reputation were being cemented with the 320 model with the IS serving as the no compromise flagship version. Modern cars have quite a bit more power and are much more sophisticated in many ways. But. here is a thoroughly drive-able. reliable car. with a connection to the road of a bygone era. Sport Model Details -Over the lifespan of the highly regarded E21 model line. nearly 1. 4 million were made. A clear testament to it's impact on the global market. Around 140. 00 wore the 320 badge. There were only about 2500 320 sport models ever produced -- rare by any standards. but nearly exclusive in this herd. Imagine how many are this well preserved?The sport model included options that suit the taught handling. exhilarating driving nature of this machine. They included -- Sports suspension with increased diameter front stabilizer bar and the addition of a rear stabilizer bar Limited slip differential Special cross spoke light alloy rims Recaro sports seats § Leather sport steering wheel and leather gear shift knob Deluxe tool kit Fog lights Front air damA few sport model options- Overall. the car presents as nearly showroom new. Color is always a matter of taste. but it's hard to argue with the iconic feel of Henna Red. BMW has made quite a few black and silver cars. Perfectly suitable to the car. This is a bit more bold. but a bit more outgoing. This is the color that flashes the rock salute out of the sunroof. Click here for a link to all pics -- http://s1382. photobucket. com/user/rootedowne/library/I have inspected this car very thoroughly. I can only find a couple of minor blemishes. There is a chip and some small blisters right where the front hood meets the passenger side turn signal and a blister under the driver's side rear tail light where the bumper meets the rear body panel. Evidently. they have been with the car for many years and have not changed. They are not easy to capture in pictures. but follow the links and check them out -- The sunroof on this car is a joy. So are the rear venting windows. The sunroof has a manual crank that works like a dream. A real testament to German engineering in micro form. It will click like a modern gas cap when tight. This car came equipped with air conditioning. but hearkens back to an era when thorough use of natural air was common. essential and practical. Regulations may very well prevent the use of them today. but aren't rear vent windows on a coupe cool?Interior Details -- The interior fits like a glove and is consistent with the incredibly well preserved state of this car. Many of these cars probably heard their fair share of Van Halen blaring through the speakers while being flung around like a go cart. Fair enough. I get it. This one seems to have heard a bit more Thelonius Monk through it's amusing. totally period appropriate Alpine stereo deck. We may never see an era when the relationship to the road was this intimate. The rack and pinion steering has great reflexes. The suspension is super tight. The Recaro seats keep you in place and are fittingly stiff themselves. Keep the smart phone in the glove box (or at home). You're going to enjoy driving this car. It provides sensory input from a different era on a different level. Trunk -- The trunk area is as clean as you would expect. The tool kit (see pic above) includes original fuses. Don't know that I'd use them. but pretty nice artifact! Engine Bay & Undercarriage -- The engine bay is as honest as you would expect. No signs of ever being detailed or modified. It does have a brand new battery (not pictured). Factory applied undercoating is still in tact. The rocker panel chip guard material is also in tip top shape. This is just how you want a low mileage original car to look like. -- Glass. Badges and Other Details --The glass is in excellent shape throughout. Much of the trim on this car is brushed aluminum instead of chrome. All present very well. Iconic badges. wheels and tires. just as you would expect. all time capsule level preservation. Questions. Bidding. Shipping. etc. -- I have tried through pictures and descriptions to capture this car thoroughly and honestly. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit. do not hesitate to call. (816) 786-7534. Bidding -- the reserve will be kept in confidence out of respect for the bidding process. Simply bid the amount you feel comfortable investing in an import classic of this rarity and level of preservation. Call if you have questions. European imports are very hot. There will be quite a few people involved in this process. Out of fairness to everyone. please have your finances in order prior to bidding. Treat the bid as the serious intent to purchase that it is and everyone benefits. Thanks in advance. Shipping -- shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. I will help out in basic logistics in anyway I can. If you are overseas and want help tracking down a good shipping company. just let me know. Warranty -- this car does not come with a warranty. expressed or implied. Sold as is. This is a charming car and an truly enjoyable classic. Good luck bidding. I can't wait to see what the future holds in store!