BaT Auction: 1971 BMW 1600-2 Cabriolet 4-Speed at No Reserve

This 1971 BMW 1600-2 is one of approximately 1,692 Baur-built cabriolet models and spent time in France and South Africa before being imported to the US in 2015 and acquired around a year ago by the current owner, who commissioned a cosmetic refurbishment and mechanical refresh in 2020. The car is finished in silver with a black soft top over a black vinyl interior. Power is provided by a 1.6-liter inline-four paired with a four-speed manual transmission, and features include chrome bumpers and trim, a driver-side mirror, and 13” steel wheels with polished hubcaps. This 1600-2 cabriolet is now being offered by the seller on behalf its current owner at no reserve with a binder of documentation, a California Air Resources Board exemption letter, and a clean California title.

The exterior was repainted Polaris Silver, and the taillight lenses and various trim pieces were replaced as detailed on a $33k invoice from Gran Turismo of Los Angeles, California, which is viewable in the gallery. A replacement black convertible soft top with a matching boot was installed at that time, and additional features include a driver-side mirror, a single exhaust outlet, a locking fuel cap, and a chrome windshield surround, bumpers, and trim. The seller notes that the doors do not sit flush with the surrounding bodywork.

The 13” steel wheels feature polished covers and are wrapped in Nankang CX-668 tires that show 2018 date codes and are sized 165/80 at all four corners. The tie rod ends, rear wheel cylinders, and rear shock absorbers were replaced in 2020, and stopping power is provided by front discs with rear drums. A full-size spare is found in the trunk.

The interior was reupholstered in black vinyl during the cosmetic refresh and features a matching dashboard, door panels, and carpets. Amenities include three-point seat belts for the front occupants, sun visors, and floor mats.

A three-spoke steering wheel frames a suite of VDO instrumentation that includes an analog clock, a 180-km/h speedometer, and a combination gauge for fuel level and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows just under 900 kilometers (~600 miles), approximately 200 of which have been added by the current owner. Total mileage is unknown.

The 1.6-liter inline-four was factory-rated at 83 horsepower at 5,500 rpm with 83 lb-ft of torque. Work performed in 2020 included a carburetor cleaning as well as the installation of a replacement battery and an ignition coil.

The rear wheels are driven through a four-speed manual transmission, and additional underbody images are provided in the gallery below.

Exterior driving footage is provided above, and an in-car driving clip can be seen below. Additional driving videos are provided here and here.

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