Over the years, I’ve let it be known that I’m a fairly enthusiastic vintage BMW fan. This interest has waned a bit as the company continues to move in a direction that is thoroughly opposite of enthusiast interests, along with the general desire to experience other makes and models. However, a clean Alpina-modified example is the sort of car that always holds appeal, especially when it’s equipped with three pedals. This is an E34-chassis 5-Series sedan that has been heavily massaged by BMW’s in-house tuner, and is one of the very few four-doors I’ve seen with a stick. Find it here on eBay with bids to $28,600 and the reserve unmet.

The Alpina badge always meant something when it came to how the chosen car was modified, but sometimes the enhancements were a bit muted. You might get a less restrictive exhaust, some suspension work, and an incredible interior upgrade, but the horsepower number wouldn’t change that much. It didn’t really matter, because as we all know, it doesn’t matter the make or model – any car or truck enhanced by the factory generally becomes a sought-after machine. This 5-Series, known as a B10 in Alpina-speak, has been extensively modified, most notably via twin Garrett turbochargers with intercoolers. It was known as the fastest production sedan in the world at one time, according to the listing, capable of hitting 180 miles per hour.

The other Alpina goodies are the things that BMW nuts salivate over, including the deeply-bolstered Recaro seats with the iconic Alpina upholstery; Alpina steering wheel and shift knob; Alpina multi-spoke alloy wheels; self-leveling suspension; upgraded 13-inch brakes; Zender and AC Schnitzer body enhancements, including side skirts, rear apron, and front air dam; and an Alpina decal kit (that has been removed in this instance for paint correction; a new replacement set of decals is included with the sale.) The B10 has 62,000 miles on it and was originally a demonstrator car sold new in Europe before going to Japan and eventually to the United States.

The history is not surprising; Alpina models of every stripe are sought after by collectors all over the world. Some of the later Alpina cars have been a bit disappointing, both in terms of the actual performance improvements and the exclusivity factor. The E65 7-Series is a chronic YouTube feature of a real-deal Alpina you can find at auction lots around the country, discarded like any other off-lease, high-end car with the sort of issues that easily outstrip the car’s value. Not this era of Alpina, however – these were the ones built in small batches and usually spoken for long before it rotated off the end of the production line. This E34 B10, however, will be cherished for years to come.