BMW 323i (E21): Spotted

Disgruntled with modern BMW niche filling? Take solace in this gorgeous E21 323i

Hopefully you also have a few cars that are always monitored in the PH classifieds. You know, just to keep tabs on availability, values and that. Rare cars, stuff you hope to own one day, the dream garage exotica. Mine are Ford GTs, Accord Type Rs, NSXs, Ferrari 550s and Cayman Rs. At the moment anyway.

No turbos to be seen here

But the E21 3 Series is constantly being checked up on. The PH classifieds actually isn't always the best place to search, random 3 Series diesels finding their way in and creating false hope of more E21s being available. That's one to look into with the techies.

Anyway, an often fruitless search into the original 3 series turned up this delightful little 323i at Four Star. The search had been consistently unsuccessful for so long that I'd forgotten just what a brilliant piece of BMW design it is. All the trademark features that made BMW saloons iconic are here in a compact and perfectly proportioned package. The kidney grille, the Hofmeister kink, the quad lamps. It was of a time when two-door saloon was an acceptable bodystyle, where it didn't have to contrived into a coupe, and looks all the better for it. The E21 is simple in form and not dramatic but here simplicity is just fine.

Original patina inside and out

And, joy of joys, it's a six-cylinder manual. It may have only 143hp but a 1,135kg kerbweight makes that power figure acceptable. Watching a quick few clips on Youtube (research purposes, of course) is a lovely reminder of the glorious sound a straight-six can make. Nothing augmented, nothing enhanced, just a pure mechanical symphony. Wonderful. Looks to be partial to a little oversteer as well...

You may have noticed with Four Star that its best cars get studio photography while the snotters only get external pics. So this E21 isn't perfect, but that of course makes it eminently more usable. Everything is still original and in decent but not pristine condition by the looks of it. History sounds good too. It would surely benefit from a light cosmetic and mechanical refresh given everything is over 30 years old now but what a great base to build on.

Remember when twin pipes meant six cylinders?

Engine swaps into E21s are hugely popular, to the extent that original manual 323is must be in extremely short supply by now. This should be bought, cherished and enjoyed immediately. Don't forget to sneer resentfully at every 5 Series GT you see.

BMW 323i (E21)
Engine: 2,315cc straight-six
Transmission: Five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 143@5,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 140@4,500rpm
MPG: 31.5 (an average using figures from e21.net)
CO2: N/A
Year registered: 1982
Recorded miles: 144,284
Price new: Who knows?
Yours for: £6,495