Why this 1997 BMW 728i is an award-winning museum piece its owner will never sell

George Manning’s 1997 E38-generation BMW 728i took home the Best Overall award at the BMW 7 Event, a showcase organised by All Things Bavarian at Caffeine & Machine in Warwickshire. Beating out up to 150 other 7 Series models of all ages, the unmodified saloon won over voters thanks to its factory-fresh condition and a period-correct Kenwood foldout TV fitted three months after the car was new.

During the event, the screen played a DVD of the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, which famously features a 1997 750i L. Despite being a 728i model, George’s car features rare factory options including high-spec contour seats with independent backrest adjustment and adjustable lumbar support via a small inflatable airbag, alongside soft-close doors and a partially powered bootlid.

George is the third owner of the BMW, having bought it five years ago from his father, who previously owned it after the original keeper held it for around 15 years. Described by George as a big boat with a soft, floaty ride in corners and direct steering, the saloon uses a five-speed automatic gearbox and a tough 2.8-litre engine.

As an HGV technician, George maintains the car with fresh oil and a filter every 6,000 miles. When asked about selling the machine, George stated he plans to be buried with it due to its brilliance and sentimental family value.