Auction: BMW Alpina E30 B6 vs Mercedes-Benz 190 EVO II vs Nissan Skyline R32

If you lived back in the late 1980s, then you definitely have knowledge of three iconic models that used to dominate the auto market. And what a sensation it was when seeing it one, especially in the Communism era.

We are dealing here with three rare sights nowadays, the 1986 E30 Alpina B6, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 Evo II and the 1989 Nissan Skyline R32, which will be available for sale next January, at RM Sothebys Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. So, in case you live nearby, then you may want to have a look at all three of them, before deciding which you would take home – and that, if you like one of them.

Back in the good-old days, the 1986 E30 Alpina B6 was a state-of-the-art German piece of engineering, coming with an extremely evolutionary design and sheer performance under the hood. We are looking here at one-off gold stripes which would turn a lot of attention while cruising the streets, along with outstanding wheels, providing the model with an aggressive look.

On the engine counterpart, the E30 B6 was fitted with a 2.7-liter I6 engine with plethora of fine mechanics – new camshaft and ignition, and Mahle pistons – all of which will help develop an exceptional 210 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

On the other hand, its toughest competitor, the brave 190 EVO II Merc was also the star of the show at the beginning of the 1990s, the model being considered a true luxurious sedan fit for royals, with sporty features.

The car was a real mind-blower under the hood, packing a 2.5-liter engine with Cosworth flat-four engine, enough to develop 250 km/h. Hooked to a five-speed manual, it surely delivered an impressive sprint at that time.

Last but not least, the 1989 Nissan Skyline R32 was an incredible Japanese car that posed serious threat to the German cars, and that because of the technology it encompassed at that time. Coming with a rather unusual design for some, it was by far the best looking Japanese car, a real wonder for the European public.

Not to mention the powertrain – a 2.5-liter turbo six-cylinder engine with 276 horsepower, paired to a dive-speed manual gearbox which sent the power to all axles, a rare thing for those times.