Chassis No. 1291750

Engine 90 bhp, 1.8-litre inline overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, independent front and rear suspension, front disc and rear drum brakes. Wheelbase: 2,550 mm (100.4″)

BMW’s “Neue Klasse” (new class) was introduced in 1961 and marked the company’s first mid-range series since the Second World War, neatly bridging the gap between the top-of-the-line 501/502 and the more affordable 700s and Isettas. Heretofore, BMW had been criticised for only producing cars for bank directors and blue collar workers, with little room in between. With the demise of Borgward, which produced the mid-range Isabella model, BMW addressed the market void with its Neue Klasse and successfully built and developed the model through 1972.

The 1800 variant was introduced in 1963 with a larger 1.8-litre motor producing 90 hp. More than a mere daily commuter, these cars proved themselves remarkably competitive for racing. Among other victories, the homologated 1800Ti/SA variant won the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps, and in 1966, a 2000Ti lapped the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in under 10 minutes – an outstanding achievement!

This particular 1800 was delivered in May 1968 to a Swiss BMW dealer and sold shortly thereafter to its first owner, in whose ownership it remained for nearly four decades, until her passing in 2006. Her estate sold the highly original car to the present owner, a German collector and enthusiast. It only has about 54,000 original kms and runs and drives superbly, having been driven directly from Switzerland to Germany without any problems. It is unrestored and presents very well, with original seats, carpets, headliner and dash as well as largely original paint. This is a unique opportunity for collectors, as there is likely no other 1800 in such original, unrestored condition with only two owners from new.