1989 BMW 325i convertible

WHO Graham Lee MILES 14,000 PROVENANCE One previous owner MODS None HOW MANY LEFT 172 this year

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD IT?

I bought this car ten years ago. It was rather neglected with a few dents, minor scratches and a lot of dust and dirt. However, opening the door, smelling the leather and looking in the boot convinced me of the provenance. It took me 12 months to buy it as the agent could not get the V5 signed due to the previous owner’s emigration and Ill-health. While most people would give up, I persevered and eventually bought it for £5000. Over the years I have detailed each part of the car. It’s not overly restored but now looks like the incredibly low mileage patina car it is.

HOW MUCH HISTORY?

It had one lady owner before me and lived in a garage in Belgravia. The house was owned many years ago by Noel Coward. The lady had returned to the USA after many years in the UK. The estate agent who was selling the house was somewhat surprised to find an abandoned BMW in the garage and was asked to sell it. The car was used very sparingly in its life in and around London and a couple of trips to the south coast.

WHAT’S LEFT TO DO ON IT?

I’d like to detail the engine bay but am in a slight dilemma in that it still has the protective wax on the inner wings that now is a bit dirty. It would look better removed but then you lose some originality – what do you think? Same thing with the alloys; most have very minor scratches that could be improved by restoration but again you lose originality. Recently used as my wedding car it’s not going anywhere, but I’d love to know its value.