The super saloon is a staple of every premium car-maker's range these days. Whether it's AMG versions of just about every Mercedes-Benz model, "R" designated Jaguars or breathed-on BMWs from the company's M-division, there's a wide choice for those who'd like a family car that can propel its occupants at Autobahn speeds.
Back in the 1970s though, the idea was entirely new. In Munich, BMW's M-division had yet to realise the full potential of the excellent first 5-Series of saloons. Step forward long-time BMW-tuners Alpina, whose fettled BMWs had already won both the European Touring Car Championships and the 24 Hours of Spa.
Alpina engineers took a standard BMW 528, manufactured to transport middle-ranking German executives serenely from meeting to meeting, and transformed it into a snarling sports car, arguably the first super saloon, the BMW Alpina B2.
Visually, the car gained a fully-functional aerodynamic bodykit, and slightly lurid graphics. Under the skin, the changes were more fundamental. The engine was bored out from 2.8 to 3 litres and twin Solex carburetors were fitted, with a number of bespoke Alpina parts.
The result was a 230bhp, 140mph saloon that could reach 60mph in 6.9 seconds. When the "official" BMW version - the M535i - arrived five years later, it couldn't match Alpina's figures, taking 7.5 seconds for the 60mph dash.
Alpina have since graduated from the status of respected tuner to manufacturer. The B2, a rare beast, stands as a real milestone.
