BMW 730i E32

There is something wonderfully understated about an E32 7 Series. It comes from an era when BMW’s flagship saloon didn’t need enormous wheels, aggressive styling or endless screens to announce itself. It was simply beautifully engineered, beautifully proportioned and built with an obsessive attention to detail.

This particular 730i SE is a two-owner car from new and, quite simply, one of the nicest E32s we have come across. Finished in stunning Calypso Red Metallic over light Silver Grey leather, with polished Burr Walnut trim and classic BMW cross-spoke alloys, it is a particularly handsome and very period colour combination. Specification includes electric front seats, electric sunroof, air conditioning, trip computer and electric windows, while the audio system has been sympathetically upgraded with a Blaupunkt Bremen, offering modern functionality while looking perfectly at home in the E32 interior.

Under the bonnet sits BMW’s legendary 3.0-litre M30 straight-six, coupled to an automatic gearbox. With 125,000 miles from new, it is exceptionally sweet mechanically. The engine is remarkably quiet with no tappet noise or notable oil leaks, the suspension is completely silent and tight, and on the road it drives exactly as a properly maintained E32 should. The real highlight, however, is its extraordinary provenance.

Originally supplied by Sandal BMW, Wakefield, it retains the original bill of sale, original specification sheet and complete book pack, including manuals, supplying dealer business cards and the original service book with Sandal BMW service stamps. Alongside this are two substantial history files containing a huge collection of Sandal BMW invoices, previous MoTs and handwritten notes documenting the maintenance and expenditure throughout its life. It is exactly the sort of history you hope to find when buying a car of this age. It has recently received a full service and fresh MoT, and everything works as it should.

The condition throughout is outstanding. The Calypso Red paintwork has a superb depth and shine, the brightwork presents beautifully and the Silver Grey leather, polished Burr Walnut, carpets, dashboard and switchgear have survived remarkably well. The E32 represents BMW at its engineering best – restrained, beautifully built, comfortable and capable of covering enormous distances with ease.

Finding a genuinely good one today is difficult; finding a two-owner example in this condition, with this colour combination and such comprehensive history, is harder again.