With the introduction of the E30 3-series, Alpina phased out the previously popular four cylinder engines and focused their efforts on the small-block six-cylinder models. All of these cars were based on the same platform with different versions of the same basic engine.

The original C1 2.3 had been among Alpina’s most popular E21 models, so it was reasonable to expect that the same engine in the E30 would be well received. However, BMW quickly expanded their E30 line-up with the 323i and 325i. This forced Alpina to react by upgrading the C1 2.3 engine to 2.5 liters and later 2.7 liters.

The C1 2.3/1 had 170hp.

Initially, the C1 2.3/1 was available as upgrade kit which could be installed at any Alpina dealer.
However, after Alpina became a manufacturer, the C1 2.3/1 was produced only in Buchloe as complete car.
Between 1984 and 1986, 35 examples of the C1 2.3/1 were produced.