Discover the Ultimate Driving Machine: Why the Alpina B3 Touring Outshines Every BMW on the Market

There's an allure to Alpina vehicles that transcends the traditional automotive enthusiasm, reaching into the realms of art and exclusivity. The German tuning house, revered for its exceptional craftsmanship, takes BMW's foundational excellence and enhances it into something nearly mythical. The 1996 Alpina B3 3.2 Touring, based on the E36 3 Series, serves as a testament to this unique philosophy.

Unlike its M-badged brethren, which prioritize sheer performance, Alpina focuses on refining BMWs for the grand tour – a journey marked by luxury, elevated performance, and distinctive styling. This rarer-than-a-blue-moon gem has propelled itself into the spotlight, capturing the hearts of car collectors and aficionados alike, not just for its rarity but for its design and performance enhancements that whisper elegance rather than shouting supremacy.

Currently available for acquisition through Bring a Trailer, this particular B3 Touring is an embodiment of Alpina's vision. Among the 89 units ever produced, it boasts a six-speed manual conversion, an added limited-slip differential, and a meticulously rebuilt VANOS system, ensuring it surpasses its original glory. Having journeyed from Japan to the Netherlands, and finally to the U.S., its international voyage adds to its storied provenance.

Under the hood, Alpina worked its magic by enhancing the 328i's 2.8-liter inline-six engine to 3.2 liters, incorporating new pistons and an exhaust system that elevates its power from 193 hp to a robust 265 hp. While it may not challenge the Euro-spec M3 of its era in raw power, it was never intended to. The B3 balances performance with panache, delivering a driving experience that's both exhilarating and refined.

The Alpina-specific Eibach springs and Bilstein dampers underscore its superior handling dynamics, while its visual appeal is undeniable. From the signature metallic blue paint accented with gold pinstriping to the 17-inch multispoke wheels, every element of the B3 Touring's exterior is a nod to Alpina's heritage of sophistication. Inside, the cabin is a celebration of the brand's iconic blue-and-green color scheme, with Alpina-trimmed seats, steering wheel, and floor mats that proclaim an unmatched attention to detail.

With just over 100,000 miles, this Alpina B3 Touring is far from museum-locked perfection, and that's precisely its charm. It's a vehicle meant to be driven, cherished, and admired on the open road, embodying the spirit of grand-touring luxury and performance. It's a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history – a beacon for those who appreciate the finer nuances of car culture.

As this blue jewel stands poised to find its next custodian, it's not just the car that's on offer, but a legacy. The Alpina B3 Touring isn't merely a means of transport; it's a statement. A statement of style, of elegance, of a life less ordinary. The question isn't who will buy it, but rather, who will be the next to steward this iconic piece of automotive art into the annals of history?

A Journey with the Alpina B3 Touring

In summary, the Alpina B3 Touring represents everything that makes Alpina special: a blend of performance, luxury, and exclusivity. It's a symbol of what cars can be when engineered with passion, precision, and a deep respect for the grand touring tradition. This particular B3 Touring, with its rich history, enhanced specifications, and stunning aesthetics, offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to partake in the Alpina legacy. Whomever it chooses as its next caretaker, it promises to deliver an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.