- This 1979 BMW 323i coupe has just 22K miles and original paint in pristine condition.
- Hidden in storage for 26 years the sedan is expected to sell for nearly $60,000.
- It was driven only during summer months and stored untouched from 1984 to 2010.
Before the M badge became a shorthand for BMW’s high-performance status symbols, there were simpler machines that quietly nailed the formula. Long before the E30 M3 made headlines in 1985, the E21 323i had already proven that a well-balanced, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan didn’t need hype to be great. And now, a remarkably well-preserved 1979 example is up for auction in Sweden, offering a reminder that cool doesn’t have to shout.
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This particular 323i, finished in a sharp Reseda Green metallic, was first delivered to its original owner in the coastal town of Trelleborg in July 1979. Under the hood is a 2.3-liter straight-six engine, the most powerful option in the E21 lineup, delivering 141 hp (105 kW / 143 PS). A five-speed manual sends power to the rear wheels, which is really the only proper configuration for a car like this.
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The output of this two-door sedan might seem downright puny compared to the 543 hp (405 kW / 551 PS) of today’s G80 M3 CS, but remember, this was the late ’70s. Plus, the E21 tipped the scales at around 1,180 kg (2,600 lbs), so it didn’t need to be a horsepower monster to get the job done. It could still hustle from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 8.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph). Nothing to sneeze at back then.
Time Capsule With a Clutch Pedal
What really makes this car stand out isn’t the spec sheet, but its condition. According to the Bilweb Auctions listing, the original owner and his wife only drove the car during the summer months between 1979 and 1984. With other cars in the garage, this one was tucked away with care, stored indoors and untouched for 26 years.
Fast forward to 2010, the owner decided to revive it, giving it a proper service in his own repair shop. Today, the model has 35,916 km (22,317 miles) on the odometer and remains in stock condition, with the exception of a new stainless steel exhaust. Despite being 46 years old, the original paint doesn’t show any signs of aging, and the chromework shines like it’s 1979.
Analog Charm, Preserved Intact
The signature shark-nose front end features twin headlights with wipers, while the rear displays dual tailpipes. Seat covers fitted by the dealership have preserved the original fabric underneath, and the cabin includes period touches like a Clarion cassette player with separate equalizer, an analog clock, a sunroof, and a chunky three-spoke steering wheel.
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This unmolested E21 is currently sitting in Malmö and is set to hit the auction block today. Given its exceptional condition and rarity, it’s expected to pull in between 480,000 and 550,000 SEK (about $49,800 to $57,000). For comparison, a new 320i xDrive sedan in Sweden starts at 510,000 SEK ($52,900), though good luck finding one with as much charm – or as little touchscreen.
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