There are rare cars… then there’s this baby right here. And the best part is, it could be yours, courtesy of Customs.

Yesterday afternoon, Malta’s Customs Department put up a video on Facebook showcasing “the jewel in the crown” of their latest sale-by-tender lots. The vehicle – which petrolheads worldwide will instantly recognise – is a right-hand-drive BMW Alpina C1, an extremely rare car built in the early 1980s.

According to most estimates, only about 35 of these cars were ever made… and unlike this specific example, most of them were left-hand drive

And yes; that means this already very rare car is even rarer, prompting Customs to actually call it a “limited production masterpiece” and “one of the rarest BMWs ever made”.

Not sold yet? Just look at it.

All the C1’s most iconic features are here, from the original dash plate and lower front lip to the shark-nose BMW grille

And, of course, in true Alpina fashion, the unrecognisable lateral green and blue Alpina stripes feature heavily alongside the entire vehicle.

But the car doesn’t just look good; it’s got a couple of surprises under the hood. Special Mahle pistons, exhaust and ignition systems were installed onto what was once a much humbler BMW, with the C1’s output going up to 168bhp. The result? Just a casual 0-100 km/hr in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 213 km/hr.

The Customs Department will be receiving Sealed Tenders for the tale quale purchase (and removal) of the rare BMW… but it’s not even the only vehicle up for sale

Other items being offered include a Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth, a Mercedes Benz 116, gold jewellery, footwear, clothing, plastic sockets and mink blankets. Talk about interesting lots.

Sealed Tenders will be received by the Director General (Customs) at Newport Bonded Stores, Marsa from Monday 20th May, until Thursday, 23rd May (from 8am to noon and from 1pm to 4pm), and on Friday 24th May (from 8am to noon).

Viewing of lots, collection of Tenders Forms and further information, if required, can be obtained from the Auction House, Customs Newport Bonded Stores, Marsa (Telephone: 21237209) during same dates and times as indicated above.

Valid IDs or Passports must be presented by all bidders/representatives when submitting Tender Forms.

Tag someone who’d love to own this super rare BMW!

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David Grech Urpani

Lovin Malta's Head of Content, Dave has been in journalism for the better half of the last decade. Prefers Instagram, but has been known to doomscroll on TikTok. Loves chicken, women's clothes and Kanye West (most of the time).