Driven a second-hand diesel Alpina with 170,000 miles across Europe straight away.

The Alpina D3 Touring, a 17-year-old BMW with 168,000 miles under its belt, recently embarked on a 1500-mile round trip to La Toussuire in the French Alps. Despite its age, the vehicle's performance was nothing short of impressive.

During the journey, the Alpina D3 Touring maintained an average speed of nudging 80mph, demonstrating its robustness and efficiency. The vehicle's low road noise was appreciated by its passengers, providing a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

The sound system of the Alpina D3 Touring was also praised for its crispness, adding to the overall pleasant driving experience. Remarkably, the vehicle only had to fill up twice throughout the entire journey, highlighting its impressive fuel economy. The Alpina D3 Touring reportedly achieves 50mpg, making it a cost-effective choice for long trips.

The Alpina D3 Touring is a manual Alpina wagon from the peak era of BMW. The manufacturer, German tuning company Alpina, specialises in enhancing BMW vehicles and works closely with the brand. This collaboration results in vehicles that offer a unique blend of performance, comfort, and style.

However, the Alpina D3 Touring is not considered sensible by some, including the individual's father. The owner, who purchased the vehicle for £7500, believes that it is depreciation-proof, a testament to its enduring value.

Interestingly, there were plenty of British Teslas on French autoroutes, also heading towards ski trips. However, no information was provided about the electric cars' performance on long journeys compared to the Alpina D3 Touring.

The owner's first car was an elderly Rover Mini. It seems that the Alpina D3 Touring has become a successor to the Rover Mini, offering a similar blend of charm and practicality. The vehicle's Oxydbraun leather rear headrests add a touch of luxury to its classic design.

Moreover, the Alpina D3 Touring has some rare and expensively unique parts, adding to its exclusivity. Despite its age, it continues to turn heads and impress those who drive it.

As British Tesla owners head off on their ski trips, the Alpina D3 Touring, with its impressive performance and timeless charm, continues to prove its worth on the open road.