The E31 generation of the BMW 8-Series is considered by many to be one of the most timeless designs to ever come out of the Bavarian brand. Now, one of the most unique versions of the car is up for sale in Prague, the Czech Republic, and thanks to its condition and features, it just might be worthy of purchase and import to your garage.
This car is a 1995 850 Ci which is special all by itself for a number of reasons. First, BMW only produced a little over 1,200 examples of this specific model from 1994 through 1999 (years not MY). That’s fewer than any other E31 8-Series without the word Alpina at the its name.
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Secondly, this doesn’t have the 5.0-liter 300 hp (223 kW) M70 V12 from older 850i but instead has a 5.4-liter 322 hp (240 kW) V12 that sends power to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. This is the most powerful version of that 5.4-liter engine to ever be fitted to an 8-Series but there’s even more to love to this car.
More importantly, though, this is an 850 Ci Individual or, in other words, a custom order. That’s signified by a number of unique details and trim choices that you won’t find on a normal 8-Series. For example, take a closer look at the interior and you’ll find that it has color-matched trim throughout. From the door cards to the seats and onto the dash, you’ll find BMW’s Tobagoblau blue color everywhere. That’s an M division paint color despite this not actually being an M division car.
As you can see from the photos, the car is in outstanding condition. The original plaque indicating that this is an Individual model is still affixed to the driver’s side strut tower. The car has 54,575 miles (87,831 Km) on it and looks like it just rolled off of the factory floor. As of this writing, the car has been bid up to just €18,000 ($19,317) and the auction ends tomorrow.
Considering how wild used-car prices are in the States right now, it seems like there’s still some meat on the bone for anyone willing to snatch it up and bring it over. It’s even old enough that you could get it properly licensed for street-legal road use.