1977 BMW 3.3

*FOR SALE* BMW E3 3.3LIA // BMW FLAGSHIP 70S SPORTS LIMOUSINE // THE VERY BEST LIA IN THE WORLD

Equipment

Power sunroof, PAS, Leather interior, Front fog lights, Air Conditioning, Power passenger mirror, Power windows, Rear Reading lights, Heated rear screen, Dash clock, FM/AM Radio, Manual Radio antenna.

EXTERIOR

This rare 3.3Li Sports Limousine is finished in Anthracite Metallic, a colour that beautifully complements the elegant lines of the E3. Benefiting from a bare-metal repaint, the paintwork presents to an exceptional standard, with a deep lustre and superb finish throughout. Costing a considerable sum when new and produced in very limited numbers, the 3.3Li was an uncommon sight even in period and is now among the rarest and most desirable BMW saloons of its era.

The car is accompanied by a detailed history file, including correspondence from its previous custodians. Having spent much of its life stored indoors, it avoided the fate of many 1970s BMWs. Most impressively, during its bare-metal repaint – the bodyshell was found to be so well preserved, an extraordinarily rare attribute for an E3 and a testament to the quality of the example on offer.

Opportunities to acquire a RHD BMW 3.3 Li of this quality are extremely rare. With an excellent history file, a high-quality restoration and outstanding condition throughout, this is a special example of one of BMW’s rarest and most sought-after saloons.

INTERIOR

The black leather presents exceptionally well, with the upholstery remaining soft, supple and wonderfully preserved. Remarkably, the leather has never been replaced or recoloured. All dashboard instrumentation and warning lights function correctly, the original radio remains operational, and the air conditioning continues to blow cold. The electric sunroof also operates as intended, allowing occupants to enjoy open-air motoring when desired. Completing the cabin are the original Coco mats, which further enhance the car’s authentic character.

The boot compartment is equally impressive, with the fragile plastic trim panels surviving in excellent order. The original 14-inch spare wheel, jack and wheel brace remain neatly housed beneath the boot floor, while the complete tool kit is still present. The tools feature green handles rather than the original red items, which were reportedly stolen during a burglary at the home of the car’s second owner, a detail that is documented within the history file.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The 3.3-litre straight-six remains in fine mechanical health. Following more than 30 years in storage, the car underwent an extensive recommissioning programme and has since benefited from the attention of marque specialists and BMW dealers alike, ensuring maintenance and servicing requirements have been diligently addressed throughout its subsequent ownership.

On the road, the car performs exactly as an E3 should, delivering a smooth, refined and effortless driving experience. Since returning to service, it has attended numerous shows and BMW Car Club events, where it has consistently attracted significant interest and admiration from enthusiasts, collectors and Alpina aficionados alike.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

Fitted with a highly sought-after set of genuine 16-inch staggered Alpina alloy wheels, which present beautifully and are fitted with a matching set of Michelin tyres. The original 14-inch wheels are also included in the sale and remain in pristine order, still wearing a set of period Michelin XWX tyres.

The braking system has been equally well maintained, with the calipers, discs and pads all showing very little wear. Rebuilt twin right-hand-drive brake servos contribute to a smooth, progressive pedal feel and reassuring stopping power.

HISTORY FILE

Chassis 3070205 was manufactured on 18th January 1977 and delivered to the UK importer, BMW concessionaires GB Ltd, on 26th January 1977. It wears its original colour Anthracite Grey Metallic, paint code 055 as confirmed by BMW archives.

DVLA records show it was initially allocated to Blue Bell Garage (Wilmslow) Limited, Cheshire which now trades under Halliwell Jones BMW however it was later transferred to Rydale cars in the West Midlands who were the selling agents and did just that, first registering the car on 1st May 1977, registration mark ROA 750R, the original plates are still with the car with Rydale cars stamped on them.

The first owner was GKN Group services ltd and this sports limousine was just one of its chauffeur driven cars to transport the then group chairman Sir Barrie Heath.

On the 22nd October 1980 Tony Gladwin purchased the BMW from a Rover dealer in Redditch called P J Evens, The BMW came with a 3 month guarantee which is on file along with its dealer sticker. The mileage at the date of purchase was 30,900. Ownership was much enjoyed for the 3 years where the car then covered most of its further mileage up to 1983 at 61,899 miles. As a company car came into favour the BMW was used less and less and eventually found its way onto axle stands in a heated garage and stood from 1991 until 2013 at which point due to a kitchen extension encroaching on garage space the car was sold and found its way to us.

In excellent original condition already the car was carefully recommissioned by our BMW technician of 30 years and sold to its 3rd owner Mr David Davies at 62,904 miles who has further improved its mechanical condition and enjoyed showing the car at BMW events and the NEC motor show where the car has been hugely admired by fans and collectors alike.

Having had limited paperwork Mr Davies has further compiled a fantastic history file having made direct contact with Mr Gladwin, the DVLA and BMW archives which makes for fascinating reading and opens the door to verify and understand how this very special Lia has stood the test of time and now remains as the best RHD example in existence.

Please visit our website for a full write up and additional photographs.

The car is supplied having had an extensive intake inspection. Warranty, Finance, Part Exchange and Worldwide shipping are all available on request.

Buy with confidence: we operate from a 10,000sq ft indoor showroom with the support of a fully functioning 4000sq ft preparation and service centre that includes a professional photo studio that is used by Top Gear, McLaren and Alpine Stars. We have a passionate team that work incredibly hard to ensure all our motor cars go through our rigorous and unique sales process so they are presented in the best possible condition and light, then found homes all over the world.

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** SIMILAR VEHICLES ALWAYS REQUIRED**

Selling? Our commission sale or SOR (Sale or Return) program is a great way to utilise and access our services and facilities while still maximising the return from your vehicle with minimal hassle, If you’d like to take advantage of this then please get in touch for further information. Alternatively If you’d like to move your vehicle on quickly and efficiently with minimal delay then we can make an offer on an outright purchase basis with payment and collection arranged soon after.