BMW E31 840ci sport – rarity, elegance and excellence
The Original 8 series, the E31 was first revealed to an unsuspecting public in early 1990. The impact was immediate, and unanimous. The classic low nose and narrow kidney grill reflected a completely new design influence, perfectly reflecting the moment. Buzzing with tech, but pretty as a postcard with its sleek, pillarless side profile, pop-up headlights and fighter pilot style cockpit, it rendered competitors such as Mercedes Benz and Jaguar obsolete overnight. BMW spent a literal fortune on the development, manufacturing and promotion of what was to become its flagship GT – it was the by far the most BMW had ever spent bringing a car to market. Originally fitted with a monster of a 5.0 litre 12 valve engine, BMW soon released the second version – this time with their brilliant 4.4 litre multivalve V8, a stunning powerplant that would stay in production one way or another for a generation (it even found its way into the Range Rover Vogue during BMW brief tenure of the brand in 2002).
The 8 series was a huge success – fast, luxurious, comfy, uber cool and with looks to die for, it set the bar at an entirely new level for the company. When the last 8 series had rolled of the Dingolfing production line in 1999, BMW announced that they had no plans for a follow up, and in fact it would take the company nearly 20 years before returning the 8 series badge to the range. By then, the original 8 had gone through the complete cycle – from revolutionary new concept, to depreciating has-been, then ‘old car from the past’ to interesting nostalgic collectable, and finally to what is now an indisputable classic Legend. Sadly, on the way, many of these fabulous machines fell by the wayside – maintenance and care schedules slipped, values plummeted, and owners simply didn’t want to invest the necessary money keeping their cars in tip-top condition. Some just became a liability.
Today, there are surprisingly few E31 8 series around that escaped this dreaded doom loop. Those that did, those that have always been cared for, loved and cherished, make for a rewarding and hugely enjoyable classic car. That signature ‘power waft’ (Dan’s term for the distinctive driving feel) is just as exciting as back in 1996, when the 840ci sport was truly the mark of success, and perfectly represented the new generation of successful, upwardly mobile customers. Very little matches the thrill of sitting behind the wheel of an 8 – those pop-up lights just in your eye-line, windows down and music up. For those that remember, the 840ci sport is a thrilling trip down memory lane to a better time, and for those that don’t, it represents the perfect example of those wonderful days when BMW knew no boundaries – before the bean-counters, regulators, eco killjoys and miserable ministers got their teeth into the car business.
We are particularly excited by this 840ci sport. One look at it will immediately tell you why. Velvet Blue – one of the rarest but arguably the most perfect colour for those sleek lines, made even more attractive by the contrasting cream leather and period-perfect blue piped seats, alongside the dark trims of the dash, centre console and door grab handles. And it doesn’t stop there. The mechanical condition is superb, the paintwork is of a high standard and the interior is in excellent shape. Enthusiast owned for many years, and latterly specialist dry stored, this 840ci Sport also has the Hartge wheels and badges, which now have something akin to cult status. Cars like this come up once in a (velvet) blue moon.
Our technical team have carried out the usual full and detailed inspection of the car, and are very impressed with the results. Few of the 8 series common issues are present – the front to rear fuel and brake lines are solid rather than brown and crusty, there are no battery drains, and all the dash and seat controls work perfectly. The list is reassuringly short, and the 840ci sport will be delivered in tip-top mechanical and physical condition to its new owner. If you’ve been looking for the perfect 840ci sport, but haven’t found the right car, the search is over.
For more information on this rare and exotic piece of BMW history, or to book a viewing (by appointment only please) contact our showroom team on sales@munichlegends.com or call us on 01825 740456
