A 1988 BMW 325i (E30) Convertible went under the hammer at Cheffins — and delivered one of the biggest surprises of the sale.
We watched this one live, and it quickly became clear this wasn’t going to follow the guide.
On paper, this was an honest and usable example.
Offered from the estate of renowned trial driver Colin Reid, it had spent time laid up but was described as starting easily and moving under its own power. Importantly, it retained strong originality — including BMW stamped glass, period features and a largely original interior.
A manual, chrome-bumper E30 with that level of originality was always going to attract attention.
What really got people talking was the estimate.
Guided at just £4,000–£6,000, this looked like a straightforward entry-level result.
That’s not what happened.
The bidding was intense from early on, with multiple buyers pushing hard. It didn’t take long to clear the guide — and it just kept going.
Back and forth it went, well into five figures.
The hammer finally fell at £16,500 (plus fees).
That’s over four times the lower estimate.
👉 View the original listing here:
https://go.ukbarnfinds.com/42tynVB
This is exactly what happens when the market spots something it wants.
E30 BMWs continue to draw strong interest, and cars that combine originality, manual transmission and usable condition are becoming harder to find.
It only takes two determined bidders — and this time, neither was backing down.
£16,500 against a £4,000–£6,000 guide — fair result, or did that go big?
We work closely with leading UK auction houses and can help introduce your vehicle to the right buyers.
Whether you’re looking to sell, or just understand what your car might be worth — get in touch.
You might be surprised.
Browse more auction results here:
https://ukbarnfinds.com/category/auction-results/
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