1970 BMW 2000 Sedan

BMW created an all-new car with an all-new engine for the small-sedan market during the 1960s. The resulting 'Neue Klasse' 1500 sedan was introduced at the 1961 Frankfurt Show featuring monocoque construction, fully independent suspension, and BMW's new M10 single overhead cam four-cylinder engine. The 1500 was both successful and helped revitalize BMW. The 1500 quickly grew into the 2.0-liter 2000 sedan, debuting for 1966 as a more upscale companion to the 1800, with production continuing to 1972.

This 1970 BMW 2000 Sedan is an original US-specification example that was purchased new by Mr. Raymond A. Baum of Piscataway, New Jersey. The BMW accompanied Mr. Baum when he moved to Illinois in early 1973. On October 6, 1975, at 52,140 miles, the BMW received Ziebart rustproofing. During June of 1986, the BMW was bumped from the rear while the car was parked. The left rear taillight and nearby fender were damaged.

After 3 decades of ownership on October 14, 2001, Mr. Baum sold their 2000 Sedan to a BMW collector. Before the car left Illinois, the Werk Shop of Lake Bluff was commissioned to perform a correct conversion of the car from its original automatic transmission to a four-speed manual unit. A correct gearbox, that was rebuilt prior to installation, was installed.

The second owner took delivery of the car in late January 2002.

The car currently has its original matching-numbers engine, body, and chassis. There are original owner's handbooks in a pouch, an original dealer brochure, a date-coded spare, original jack, historical file, and Mr. Baum's handwritten journal.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014