In the late 1950's and Early 1960's BMW was struggling. They produced some beautiful luxury cars such as the classic 507 and some homely but practical economy cars that sold well in immediate post-war Europe (the Isetta, 600 and 700; the latter being much more of a standard car). However, the company had no car positioned to sell to the mid-range buyer in a time when Europe's economy was beginning to take off after the war.
Enter the "New Class." The BMW 1500 combined large interior space, compact exterior design, good handling and sporting performance at a mid level price. Despite initial reliability problems it was a clear success--critical claim and sales volume for that car and it's offspring saved the company from bankruptcy or worse yet, ownership by Daimler Benz. All in all, the 1500 led directly to the 1600, the 1800, the 1800ti, the 1800tisa, the 2000, the 2000ti, the 2000tilux and the 2000tii. These cars are cherished by their owners, and if you have interest in one write to:
In the late 1960's BMW built the series that would ensure it's legendary status among enthusiasts. It all started with the 1600-2. The "-2" was used to identify a new body style--the 1600 four cylinder from the larger four door car had been stuffed into a new, compact two door body. It was an instant success, in February, 1967 Car and Driver called the 1600 (as it was called in the US where the four door cars were quite rare) "the best small sedan we ever drove" as well as "the best economy car ever offered to an undeserving American public." They went on to conclude that "It also looks, drives, feels, and sounds like it ought to kick the bejeezus out of the competition."
The 1600 was a wonderful car--it was cheap ($2,500), fast (102 mph and 11.4 seconds to 60 mph), economical (up to 30 mpg on the highway) and reliable. My father bought one in 1969, and it was still going strong in 1982 when someone ran a stop sign and t-boned it. In Europe BMW began the process that it would later take to an extreme with today's 3 series--developing multiple models from a single base. Altogether there would be fourteen variations on the two door body style, not counting the 2000c/cs coupes (1600-2, 1600 cabriolet, 1600ti, 2002, 2002ti, 1600 Touring, 1802, 1800 Touring, 2002 Cabriolet, 2000 Touring, 2002tii, 2002tii Touring, 2002 Turbo and 1502).
Unfortunately, the US emission control legislation that was introduced in 1968 made the twin carb engine installed in the 1600ti impossible to import (though related engines in the 1800ti and 2000tilux had been brought to the states in the four door sedans). This led to the best car BMW has ever built--the 2002. In order to match the power of the 1600ti in a cleaner running engine, BMW put it's largest four cylinder engine in it's smallest body and created a cult car.
In every 2002 enthusiasts favorite car article, Car and Driver announced "Turn you hymnals to 2002--David E. Davis, Jr. blows his mind on the latest from BMW." He went on to say that "If the 1600 was the best $2,500 sedan C/D ever tested, the 2002 is most certainly the best $2,850 sedan in the whole cotton-picking world....Feel free to test-drive one, but please don't tell any of those ten million squares who are planning to buy something else. They deserve what they get. Now turn your hymnals to Number 2002...."
If you'd like to join the '02 registry, write to