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Patina’d Sport Package: 1983 BMW 320is

This 1983 BMW 320is is a pleasingly grungy sport package car, equipped with all of the desirable goodies it left the factory with. As of late, the E21-chassis 3-Series is enjoying a nice uptick in interest, thanks to its emergence as an attainable collector car among younger collectors. The example shown here on eBay has spent the last 20 years in indoor storage and is largely free of rust with the exception of some isolated spots in the trunk.

The Buy-It-Now is $4,500 with the option to submit a best offer. Really, this is a smart buy for a flipper if you’re into that sort of thing, as all of the impossible-to-find (cheap) parts are still there. Things like the limited-slip rear end, Recaro sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and deep chin spoiler all remain with this “is”. Unfortunately, the BBS basketweave rims don’t appear to be there though.

Most of those items have been harvested by greedy 2002 owners who took advantage of the E21’s poor resale value and low visibility among collectors. Thankfully, no one has touched this one, and while the overall cosmetics are poor, starting with a good core of Recaro buckets for reupholstering is way cheaper than trying to buy a restored set. Factor in a replacement dash.

The seller notes the 320is currently runs and drives quite well, and with no mention of recent maintenance, I wonder if, despite the haggard appearance, the car was used and maintained regularly. The engine bay looks quite clean and tidy and is perhaps the cleanest area of the E21 in overall appearance. Repaint it and tidy up the interior and you have a shot at positive ROI.

Comments

  1. Avatar Tom c

    Looking at that poor car makes me wonder how bad it’s been beat on.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Steve R

    Around here, if cheap enough it would become a drift car. BMW’s have become the go to car, now that the supply of Nissan 240sx’s has dried up. Cars with minor collision damage, mechanical issues or that fail California smog tests are prime material for that purpose.

    Steve R

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Barry Traylor

    Patina a.k.a crappy paint.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar michael

    What a piece of Cow-crapp. This is a $400 car and best comes with a full tank of gas. SMH. A mechanic shop actually dared to put this on sale on Ebay in this condition?

    Like 1

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