"BMW's compact, sophisticated and highly capable first generation 3-Series replaced the '02' range in 1975. The pinnacle being in the form of a new straight six cylinder powerplant with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, badged '323i', which launched in 1979. With 143 bhp on tap, the driving experience was described as electrifying for the time and handling certainly exciting. However, this machine also boasted impeccable build quality, first class cabin ergonomics and generally projected an air of purposeful confidence. This car was responsible for setting new standards in executive compact performance motoring and established BMW as the class leader in this segment, a position they commanded for the next twenty years.
EYE 439V was registered new by BMW Concessionaires GB, Park Lane, London in December 1979 before being sold to the first private owner on 29th February 1980, showing Nil miles on the odometer, according to the Pre Delivery Inspection entry. The car was then registered on the Island of Guernsey on 17th March 1980 before the service booklet records Jacksons Garage (Guernsey) completing the 'First Inspection Service' a week (and 474 miles) later. The second owner, Mr. Broughton-Clarke, purchased the 323i in July 1984. DVLA re-issued the original registration index upon his return to the UK mainland in October 1986 (35,000 miles at that time). The original BMW service booklet shows a good number of stamped entries during the 1980's. Later servicing is recorded in the paper history file. The last major service was in July 1991 by Hampshire Cars, BMW main dealer, Basingstoke at 43,856 miles. It was used less and less in the years following and was dry stored for more than a decade before being sold as part of Mr Broughton-Clarke's estate in 2013 to a local gentleman who re-commissioned the car. Covering just a few hundred miles each year since, this classic BMW will qualify for historic status with DVLA for MoT/road fund licence purposes at the end of this year.
Specified in rare Reseda green with green cloth, the interior can only be described as immaculate, with no cracks or fade to the dashboard and no visible thread wear to seat bases or bolsters. Carpets throughout, including the boot, remain as new. The bodywork is original and unrestored. The car remains as per standard specification entirely, even down to the original steel wheels with polished trims and has never been modified. Fittingly the supplying Guernsey dealer transfer is still in situ in the rear window 35 years on.
This car can continue to be enjoyed and shown as is, or is a worthy candidate for sympathetic cosmetic improvement. It is likely one of very few remaining UK first generation 323i's in entirely original condition and, as such, especially only having covered a mere 48,393 miles, represents an attractive opportunity for all discerning BMW aficionado's."