If you’re like me, classic BMWs are the cars to have. While modern BMW performance cars are excellent, and they are despite what pundits might claim, there’s just something so special about older Bimmers. The way they feel, they way they make you feel, the way they sound and the way they look all bring you back to a  time when BMW made some of the best cars in the world. If you were to ask me what my favorite BMW ever is, there’s a good possibility I’d say the E28 M5, the O.G. M5.

The problem with the E28 M5 is that its a very expensive car at the moment. It’s hard to find one with reasonable mileage, in good condition, for a fair price. I’ve see them easily reach brand-new BMW M3 money. However, if you love the E28’s shape as much as I do, want one with great performance and some added exclusivity, this 1985 ALPINA B10 3.5 could be your Huckleberry.

Based on the E28 BMW 535i, the ALPINA B10 3.5 was a brilliant car. It also packed a 3.5 liter I6 engine, much like the M5, a variant of the same one sold in the BMW M535i. Except, for ALPINA-duty, it made 261 hp. That makes it more powerful than the North American, E28 M5, as that car only made 252 hp (the Euro-model made 280 hp). When paired with a five-speed manual, the ALPINA B10 3.5 was capable of 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds. Making it about as fast as the O.G. M5.

This particular car is gorgeous and looks like it’s in very good condition, even if it is missing the classic ALPINA decals and wheels. Though, the wheels on this car look like they could be BBS’ and look very good, there’s nothing like the classic ALPINA wheel.

With only 61,553 miles, it’s been well kept but still driven, so it hasn’t just been a garage queen it’s entire life. That’s the sort of classic car you want to buy if you want to actually drive it: Good condition but driven so it isn’t perfect.

The best part about it? The price. While E28 M5s can get up in the high-$50k – $60k range, this wonderfully rare and delightful ALPINA is under $40k. That means you can have this for quite a bit less than the E28 M5, have enough money to put the classic ALPINA wheels on it and still have enough left over for a vacation. If it were my money, despite how much I love the E28 M5, I’d have to look long and hard at this ALPINA.

[Source: Classic Driver]