BMW 5-Serie 530i 1B Historic race car
The story of the marque and model: the rise of a Dutch racing icon
The BMW 5 Series made its debut in 1975 and was soon hailed as a masterful blend of luxury, comfort and sporting prowess. But for those who wanted more than driving pleasure on public roads, a unique opportunity arose: the BMW 530i Group 1B, developed with Alpina and created for serious work on the circuit.
This version was built for the Group 1B class within the European Touring Car Championship. This was a class for drivers who wanted to race on a limited budget, yet still with high-grade engineering. Unlike the Group 2 cars, the 1B's were less extremely modified, but certainly no less competitive.
The Dutch BMW importer N.V. Alimpo ordered one of these rare examples in 1977. Based on a 525i, the model was upgraded with Alpina's original 3.0L six-cylinder engine, fitted with special Alpina pistons, a 300 degree camshaft, a modified air-mass meter, a front oil cooler, differential cooling and, of course, the Alpina steering wheel.
The result? A pure racing car with 230 bhp, built to compete at the highest level.
Racing history: a Dutch championship tale
The car has an impressive history to its name. In 1977 it was driven by Eddy Fresco, who immediately notched up successes in the Dutch Touring Car Championship, including a 3rd place at Circuit Zandvoort.
A year later, Fresco teamed up with the legendary Rob Slotemaker to drive to 2nd place in Division 4 of the European Championship, a heroic feat among far faster Group 2 cars.
In 1978 the car was bought by Hans Maasland, who twice took part in the 24 Hours of Spa with, among others, Fred and Rien Frankenhout as co-drivers. In 1981 the car finished 12th in its division and 18th overall, a fantastic result for a Group 1B machine.
This particular car is, moreover, completely original and historically correct, which is exceptionally rare for a car with such an active racing career. On top of that, it is fully FIA HTP homologated and holds official eligibility for prestigious events such as Goodwood, Spa Classic and Le Mans Classic.
Please note: this is not just any example, but the original and recognised car eligible within the correct class for Goodwood. An opportunity of this kind comes along very rarely.
Documentation and authenticity: an unrivalled archive
What makes this BMW 530i Group 1B truly unique is the exceptionally complete and rich documentation that comes with it:
- The original AutoPass from first registration
- Numerous original documents, entry forms and technical specifications
- Detailed set-up sheets and settings from its active racing period
- Beautiful historical photographs, including action shots from Zandvoort, Spa-Francorchamps and more
- FIA HTP documents, valid and ready for entry to top-level events
The combination of technical authenticity, complete provenance and exceptional documentation makes this one of the best-preserved and most traceable examples available today.
A unique opportunity: come and see us in our showroom
When you see this car in the flesh, you understand it at once. This is no ordinary classic. This is an original, historic racing car with soul, character and proven performance.
Its pure condition, combined with a rich racing past and eligibility for events including Goodwood, makes it a unique example for collector and historic racer alike.
Although it has an impressive past, the car can, by arrangement, be delivered fully race-ready, tailored to your specific wishes and plans, whether for competition, demonstrations or entry into international historics.
Intrigued? Do come and visit us in Katwijk. The coffee will be waiting, and we will gladly take the time to go through this special machine with you.
Special features
- Authentic Gruppe 1B racing car with FIA homologation F 621
- Original Team Alimpo example, active 1977-1981
- Chassis number 4850622, KNAC logbook number 6152
- BMW 2985cc six-cylinder, 253 bhp at 6575 rpm (Rüddel Motorsport dyno-tested)
- Bespoke roll cage by Metaal Techniek Morée B.V.
- Entry in the 24 Hours of Spa 1979 and 1981
- Race numbers 51 (Zandvoort), 41 and 22 (Spa), 86 (Zolder)
- Complete documentation set including original KNAC papers
- FIA medical examination forms for driver Hans Maasland
- Historic racing restart 2013 (Hockenheim, Nürburgring)
- Featured in CURBS Magazin #06, April 2015
- Dutch registration 47-RK-06
Full insight into the papers our assessment is built on. Carfax vehicle history, service documentation and paint thickness report — page by page.
