Lot 388 - 2004 BMW E46 330Ci Sport 'Williams F1'
| Lot Number | 388 |
| Registration | FN54 XCV |
| Chassis Number | WBABD52010PM08048 |
| Engine Number | 35315481 |
| Odometer reading | 95,000 miles |
| Estimate | £9,000 - £11,000 |
- Limited edition ‘Williams F1’
- Number six of 26 official cars ever made
The 'E46' is the chassis designation for the fourth generation of BMW 3 Series design. Launched in 1998, BMW were keen to improve on the already extremely popular model platform. The designers and engineers managed to come up with a more aerodynamic appearance that claimed to have a 70% increase on chassis rigidity. This, combined with the range of engines available and performance packs, meant that the E46 not only suited the enthusiast market but also appealed to the everyday driver as well, making it one of the most commercially successful BMW’s ever made.
Following BMW and Williams F1 collaboration in the early 2000’s, BMW launched an extremely limited run of special 'Williams F1' liveried vehicles to celebrate this partnership. These cars featured a fantastic deep Le Mans Blue metallic paint with contrasting grey and blue leather seats, needlework of the 'William’s' logos on the head rests, 'William’s' F1 stickers on the front wings and an official numbered plaque on the dash. So limited was this run, with models varying from 318’s to X5’s, that only 26 official cars were ever made. The incredibly small production numbers have almost guaranteed that these vehicles will be seen as a future collectible to any BMW aficionado.
This particular version of the little known automotive gem has been presented in the form of a second generation 330Ci with the BMW 'Sport' option and an automatic gearbox. The 3.0 litre straight-six engine produced, when new, 228bhp and this example was specified with BMW sport bumper and trim, sport suspension, air conditioning, electric seats and auto lights. Supplied with a strong provenance and history portfolio, including the original driver’s manual, stamped maintenance book with its last service being carried out in June 2019. This car will also be accompanied by the previous owner’s invoices, receipts and previous MoT test certificates as well as a current MoT test certificate. With BMW special editions, no two were the same therefore this can truly be considered utterly unique.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.