Thoughts on E21 Alpina C1 2.3 Chassis with a donor engine?

[junglejoonie]

Hey guys,

New to posting/using forums so if this topic has been covered I do apologize. I was wondering if I could get some opinions on how you would feel about an Alpina C1 2.3 chassis with an m20 from an E30. I did not do the swap myself but from what I understand it was a necessity because the Original Alpina M20b23 was no longer useable for whatever reason. Being that, in my opinion, the engine is the heart and soul of any car, do you think the Alpina (chassis) still holds any value?

I appreciate any opinions.

Thanks,
Junior

[TopCat]

That is a very good question!

How do you know it is a verifiable C1?

If it doesn't have a chassis plate or a build plate - think these came in later?

If it really is a C1 at a good price I would go for it and rebuild a 2.3 M20 with the corrcet Alpina/Schrick/Mahle bits to fit.

[uwbuurman]

Yeah, but then it will never be an original car. And C1's well, it is no b6. Also not pricewize

[inkatouring]

The best answer I can give is that I will be rebuilding the original motor in my c1 instead of building a monster motor with a e30 block. The latter would be easier -- could build at my pace while still driving the car -- but will detract too much from the "Alpina-ness" of the car. I suspect, if you wanted to build a faux c1, it would be cheaper than buying a real one (it better be!) and if you're paying that money for a real c1, wouldn't you want the "real" c1 motor, too? I know I would discount the car if it had a non-original motor; how much depends on how good the rest of the car is......

[cobbler2u]

i would say must be very cheap. As you say the engine is the heart of the car.
The rest you can find and put back. But the engine no substitute

[cgifool]

Original engine is a must (to me) for any car that's remotely special.