1969 BMW 1600

BMW produced its 'New Class' from 1962 through 1977 and was instrumental in ensuring the company's survival. It was the foundation for the Bavarian automaker's growth and offered incredible versatility throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s.

The first 'New Class' automobile was the 1500 four-door compact executive car powered by the new M10 overhead cam four-cylinder engine. It was replaced by the 1600 in 1964 and produced until early 1971. Power was from a 1,573cc engine offering 83 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 83 lb/ft of torque.

The 1600-2, later known as the '1602, was a two-door, five-passenger sedan that made its debut in 1966 at Geneva. Priced in the U.S. at nearly $2,500, it quickly gained popularity and an enthusiastic following. Both the 1600 and 1600-2 shared the 96 CID SOHC engine with similar output (83 for the 1600 and 85 for the 1600-2), while the 1600ti used the same engine but with 105 horsepower thanks to two Solex 40 PHH two-barrel carburetors.

The two- and four-door 1600 sedan was joined in September of 1967 by a convertible conversion created by the Baur company. Most of these drop-top versions remained in Germany.

U.S.-destined examples came with bumper guards, Skai upholstery, a chromed exhaust tip, and power brakes.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020