1980 BMW 320A (E21) Coupe |

Sold

1980 BMW 320A (E21) Coupe

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£10,600

Mileage~51,000
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine2.0L
LocationBarnstaple

SOLD

1980 BMW 320A (E21) Coupe

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie

Photographer

One of the most important models created by BMW - the 3 Series (E21) coupe fitted with the straight-six engine.

The first generation of the 3 series launched in 1975 and made it to 1983, until it was replaced by the E30. The series was exclusively built in a 2-door saloon body style. This example packs a punch with a factory 2-litre carbureted M20B20 straight-six.

The E21 was built on the success of the 2002 and took attractive styling from the larger 5-series - this car was thoroughly developed from the beginning of production.

The 320 was described as electrifying, especially in the wet. Build quality was to a very high standard with superb interior ergonomics making it a very satisfying car to both own and drive. Corrosion has always been a concern, however, this one has been given the attention it deserves. As the original E21 is becoming rarer and gaining a larger cult following - these cars are quickly appreciating in value.

Del inherited the car from his sister and has carefully owned and enjoyed for the previous 15 years, and with only ~51,000 on the clock we know this sought after highly original example will gain a lot of attention.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Del the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I love the whole look of it, the way it drives - which takes me back to my youth, and I also enjoy the admiring looks from other drivers.

Del inherited the 320A 15 years ago from his sister, the car has been in the family since 1992 (29 years) and has done very little mileage since. Del tells that his sister loved and cherished the car, always keeping it garaged and even when she bought a newer car she couldn't bear to part with this one, so she kept it!

Since Del's ownership, he has had the following work carried out: fuel pump replaced; 2x new wheel cylinders; rear / front bumper; grille; rear O/S/R wing; O/S/F wing; N/S/F wing; 4x wheels and bonnet repaired and painted.

Since Del moved from London to Devon he now has nowhere to garage the little car, so at the age of 81 he thinks it's time to find a new custodian.

Dell will be more than happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Del

Vehicle Owner

Del saved £1,800* when they
sold their BMW with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

We'll take the photos & create the listing.
We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
You'll keep your car until it's paid for.

PEACE OF MIND FOR BUYERS

They can fully review our cars online.
They can buy on our trusted platform.
They're able to buy without leaving home.

LEARN MORE

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Iconic BMW styling, inspired by its big brother, the 5-Series - 'shark-nose' and rearward angled front grille.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with 13" 'BBS style' E21 alloys that all appear in great condition on this car and give it a sporty character. The colour coded insets look great against the matching bodywork.

Del has had the wheels painted in Reseda Green to match the exterior as originally they were gold. An unused full-size spare can be found in the boot.

The wheels are wrapped in tubeless Nankang CX-668, dated 2007 and they appear to have a great amount of tread left on them.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer look at each wheel.

Bodywork

The bodywork looks to be in great overall condition and really reflects the BMW build quality and the way both Del and his sister have cared for this car over the years.

The panel fit of the doors and panels looks very good across the car and up to the standard of 3-Series from the '80s.

On closer inspection, we noticed some very small scratches, in areas that would look like they would come out with a little polishing.

Importantly the underside looks really sold and good condition from the visual inspection on the video. The engine bay looks original and would benefit from a bit of time spent cleaning.

We have captured high resolution photos and videos for you to review the condition of the bodywork in great detail.

Paint

Finished in it's original Reseda Green Metallic, the cars paint looks in excellent condition and even in colour and finish across all the panels. Some panels on the car were repainted in the original colour in 2014, and since, Del has maintained the condition of the paintwork through storage and regular cleaning.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer look at the paintwork of the car.

Glass and Trim

All appear in good condition across the car.

The glass looks the part with no major signs of damage, cracks, or chips noticed on the visit. The chrome trim around the glass would benefit from some attention and the chrome trim around the bumpers is beginning to show some very slight signs of age in the form of pitting.

Please watch the video to see the whole exterior in detail.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Ergonomically built, giving the driver easy access to any of the controls in style and comfort.

Seats and Carpets

Exterior matching, green cloth seats which present in very good condition throughout for the age of this car, along with the door cards and carpets.

There are some small signs of age on the driver's bolsters edge and some patches of mould beginning to show on the headlining due to the last of use.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer view.

Dashboard

As with the rest of the interior of this car, the dashboard and the instrument cluster are clean and smart with the traditional BMW layout.

The odometer was showing ~51,000 on our visit, super low mileage of the age of the vehicle.

Please view the images and interior video to see the dash in more detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

An original BMW steering wheel is present with the automatic selector found in the center.

Please take a look at the detailed photos and videos of the interior for a closer view.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Packing the larger and more preferable 2.0L M20B20 engine under the hood - offering 60mphs in 9.5s - a big deal back in the day.

Engine and Gearbox

Fitted with the M20B20 Carb-I6 1990cc engine, the car outputs 120bhp at 6,000rpm and is mated to a 3-speed ZF 3HP22 auto. The engine uses a Solex 2-barrel downdraft carburetor and has a top speed of 112mph. Del reports the car being very nippy, especially down country lanes.

The car started first-time in the mechanical video we conducted.

Please review the photos and the mechanical review video showing the engine bay and underside.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension of the E21 incorporated rack and pinion steering and MacPherson strut suspension at the front with a semi-trailing arm type independent suspension at the rear.

The car is also fitted with power-assisted brakes with discs on the front and drums on the rear. Del had the car's brake fault fixed in March 2020, 2 wheel cylinders were replaced and the brakes were bled.

Del reports to us a very smooth ride with prompt stopping power from the brakes.

The Drive

Drivers worldwide loved the handling the BMW E21 would offer, it was praised for its controllable oversteer which makes the car such fun to drive quickly. The E21 was loved by many for its stiff front, a softer rear set-up that was available with this six-cylinder version.

Del loves taking the car out on sunny weekends and mentions how zappy it can be, however due to lack of use is now parting with it.

Electrics and Other

The car is fitted with an aftermarket Alpine CD player, which is reported to be fully working along with all of the other electrical options on the car. Unfortunately Del doesn't have the original radio, however, it's not too difficult to source a period correct unit.

The exhaust does look like it will need some attention soon. It's also been picked up on the most recent MOT saying there's a slight leak and issue with a hanger that needs looking at. Considering the quality and original condition of the car it may be worth budgeting for a new exhaust at some point.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

UK RHD, low mileage, low ownership, and rare colour - we know this E21 will be a real head-turner among the classic beamer community.

Presented in 'Reseda Green metallic', the car is in highly original condition.

We have listed the services, however, please review all the paperwork to see other services / work carried out on the car. As you can see by the car's MOT history, it's really has been given the love it deserves over the previous 41 years.

We have actioned our usual checks on the seller, V5, and HPi clear.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
08.03.2021	MOT	50,694
06.03.2020	MOT	50,683
05.04.2016	MOT	50,660
18.04.2015	MOT	50,657
10.04.2014	MOT	49,106
23.04.2013	MOT	48,343
15.03.2012	MOT	45,595
17.08.2010	MOT	45,595
17.07.2009	Service	41,350
17.07.2009	MOT	41,350
25.07.2008	MOT	37,178
17.08.2007	MOT	32,468
17.08.2006	MOT	29,772