A highly desirable and very original BMW 1600 TI
In September 1967, the model range of BMW was expand with the BMW 1600 TI. A high performance model of the already popular 1600. Double Solex carburetors were used and high compression pistons made a stunning 105 bhp in a car that weighs 980 kgs. Production did not last long, only several months, as the car did not pass emission tests in the United States. Only a handful of original early 1600 TI’s are known today and I’m certain that non of them have covered so little miles as this example.
Coming from its second owner, the car has only covered 66.000 kilometer. Its last registration in Germany shows that the car was taken off the road in 1985 probably because of the age of the owner at that time. Car 1580786 was then put in storage for many years until we rescued it two years ago.
New delivered to Mr. Beckmann of Bad Segeberg in ’68 in its retaining form and colour Bristol Grau with headrest option and both front and rear seatbelts where the rear ones have never been used! The originality of this car is monumental.
The car changed to its second owner in February ’69, after just seven months of ownership of Mr. Beckmann. Mr. Schoning of Neumunster bought the car and kept it until the end of his life, having just covered 66.000 kilometer.
This is a damage free car, no rust at structural parts just some minor surface rust can be found.
The engine was seized and is being rebuild by specialists at the moment. When taken a part, it showed that all the bearings were the original ones and even the oil filter was original BMW. The car is now undergoing a technical rebuild and a sympathetic restoration. Most of the paint is still its first but as you can see in the photo’s, it has some issues that need to be solved. Whether a full respray is the answer or preserving the car as is, is a difficult question and also up to the next keeper. We’re open for suggestions and the car can be viewed in our showroom in the old city of Delft.
All original invoices and books are with the car as are the original German ‘Fahrzeugbrief’. It has been well documented and we certainly will keep doing that during its mild restoration. Update: after restoration this car was put to a test during a around-Europe road trip and now is home in the US.
