1997 BMW 850Ci - ONLY 9,400 KM

This 1997 BMW 850Ci is a remarkable youngtimer, having covered just 9,400km from new, and presented in beautiful original condition. One of just 144 finished in the lovely colour combination of Arctic Silver over Black leather, this left-hand-drive automatic 8 Series is accident-free and is accompanied by its original service book and instruction manual and toolkit. This is a truly rare opportunity to acquire an example of this 5.4-litre V12 grand tourer in such pristine, low-mileage condition.

The car was completed on 20 May 1997, intended for delivery to the United Arab Emirates, and was fitted with the M Aerodynamics package, which includes a front spoiler, a rear diffuser, slim mirrors, and CSi rims in a BBS cross-spoke design. Interior creature comforts included such features as a rear roller sun visor, an interior mirror with automatic dip, memory seats with electric adjustment, automatic air flow control, and a BMW professional RDS radio with a HiFi speaker system and cassette holder.

As it was first delivered to Dubai, this hot-climate Gulf version 8 Series was specified without catalytic converters and fitted with equipment for leaded fuel to comply with emissions regulations, as well as an anti-glare strip in the front and rear windows. For almost 15 years, the car lived in Dubai, where it was mostly garaged and used sparingly.

The car was then purchased by a German engineer and BMW 850 aficionado and delivered to Stuttgart. During this ownership, the car was jacked up in a well-ventilated garage and remained undriven, other than for regular maintenance. A BMW Technical Data Sheet was ordered and delivered on 29 November 2012, and the car passed its German MOT (TÜV) on 8 January 2013. An original exhaust system sourced from another M73 engine was fitted on 6 March of the same year, along with new 17-inch 235/265 tyres, before it was purchased by its current Italian owner.

The rarest production model from the BMW E31 8 Series, this example is one of just 1,218 built with the 5.4-litre V12 M73 ‘B54’ engine — class winner of the 1999 International Engine of the Year Award — and one of only 169 delivered new to the Middle East. With a second-generation 8 Series now in production, this wonderfully preserved car represents a rare opportunity to own the original nineties icon.