What kind of test engine was originally installed in this E12 Alpina? If anyone can provide any information on this, I would be very grateful to be able to complete the already extensive history of this special vehicle.

The following facts are known. According to the BMW delivery note, the 525 in black 086 was shipped to Buchloe in October 1974. Alpina temporarily stored the original engine. According to the vehicle registration document, the E12 was converted to B2 specifications at Alpina and thus registered to Alpina in December 1974.

Mr. Bovensiepen and the second owner, Mr. Fuchsberger, drove the E12 Alpina 50,000 kilometers. The original 525 engine was taken out of storage and, as stated by the Alpina certificate, was fitted with B2 modifications in January 1976 before the third owner, Mr. Okon, took possession of the car. This engine (matching numbers) is still installed in the vehicle today.

Everything is documented by the Alpina delivery certificate, various Alpina documents, the original German vehicle registration document, and visible numbers on the engine block.

Who can help with information on the original Alpina striping?

The plan is to restore the appearance of this special car to its original condition. A period correct so-called ’early Alpina front spoiler’ is already waiting for the make-over, but the rare early Alpina striping raises a few questions.

Fortunately, the history of the car is well known and there even are pictures from that time showing the original 1974 ‘Dekor’, but unfortunately these photos have faded over the years. These raise some questions about the details:

• The striping was blue with gold pinstripes, but who knows the colors, codes/numbers of this blue and gold?
• Is it true that the ‘Alpina’ name on the trunk lid and front aprons should be silver? If so, what is the correct color code?

If you have any information regarding the test engine and the original Alpina striping, please contact me: alpina(at)steffert.nl.