1968 BMW 1600GT

Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Complete and very solid restoration project
Only 95,000 kilometres from new
Two keepers and dry stored for 42 years
Many spares included
Very rare model with BMW engine and suspension

The Appeal

When BMW acquired Glas, ostensibly to expand its production capacity, it got a little gem into the bargain: the Glas 1600GT. This pretty, Frua-designed 2+2 GT was small, light and fit perfectly into BMW’s model range.

Of course, this being BMW, it had to be improved first. That meant an engine from the 1600 - good for 100bhp - and the firm’s clever semi-trailing arm rear suspension. The result: more power and better handling.

Yet the BMW 1600GT is little-known outside enthusiast circles because only 1,259 were built over a 12 month period. Today, these cars are both exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors for their style and capability.

This survivor is particularly interesting. It has been in dry storage for 42 of its 56 years so has covered just 95,000kms from new in the hands of only two keepers. It is complete and very solid. Sold with a large number of spares, it makes an interesting and relatively straightforward project for the right enthusiast.

The 1600GT is one of BMW’s most unusual and rare models. Good cars are revered for their performance, looks and handling. Which is something for the buyer to look forward to at the end of this rewarding project.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1968
Original Italian market and registered car
First registered in Frosinone, Italy
Used regularly by the first keeper to 1980
Purchased by the second owner in 1980 in the Province of Rieti
Used for two years until garaged in 1982
Originally dark blue, repainted in white prior to storage in 1982
Only 95,000 kilometres covered until 1982
Registered in Italy with black five-digit plates
Comes with a user and maintenance manual in very good condition
No Revisione as restoration project that has been standing for a while
Various spares included as shown in photographs
These include two engine blocks, two gearboxes, and various other components
VIN number WA001217 making it one of the last built
Vendor reports that the car has never been in an accident
Some parts were removed for the repainting but are supplied with the car

The Glas 1300GT was part of the firm’s drive to follow Iso and BMW out of microcars and into the more rarified and profitable world of GTs. It was designed by Petro Frua and sold well until BMW acquired the firm in 1966.

Following the takeover, BMW set about improving and relaunching the little 2+2. It got the firm’s 1,573cc engine from the 1600 saloon and the clever semi-trailing arm rear suspension first developed for the 600 bubble car. Cosmetic changes included a BMW ‘kidney’ grille and new round rear lights.

The new 1600GT was produced between June 1967 and August 1968. 1,259 were built before the overlap with existing and new models led to its demise.

This car is chassis number 1217 and was first registered in Italy in 1968. It remained with its first keeper in Frosinone to 1980, covering 95,000kms during that time. In that year it was acquired by its second keeper and relocated to Pieti province.

The new keeper began a restoration, repainting the car from its original dark blue to white. Before the car could be fully reassembled following this work it was put into a dry garage in 1982, where it remained for 42 years until 2024.

Today the car is complete but not fully assembled, as you can see in the photographs. It comes with a large quantity of spares, which are summarised above and shown. This is a very rare opportunity to acquire a genuine BMW 1600GT that has covered just 95,000kms from new in the hands of just two keepers.

The Condition

Restoration project which is complete but requires some light reassembly
Repainted in white in early 1980s and remains in very solid, albeit aged condition
Paintwork presents in fair order with some light marks to note in photographs
Bodywork appears straight and solid and is reported to be accident free
Structure including floors, sills, arches, boot floor and engine bay all present well
Fitted with period BMW-badged lMIlano alloys in fair order with elderly Pirelli tyres
The original steel wheels with chrome hub caps are included for refurbishment
Some chrome parts have a patina of oxidation but are solid and undamaged
Complete interior in black vinyl with well kept seats, doorcards and dashboard
Cabin fittings show patina and ageing due to long term storage as shown
Interior headlining and carpets in aged condition and ideally require replacement
Interior: carpets in poor condition, headliner needs replacement, seats, dashboard, and side panels are faded but in good condition and original
Some glass is fitted as shown with other parts included but requiring refitting
Very original and unmodified car with lightly patinated interior fittings including VDO dials
Various spares included as shown in photographs

This car may be 56 years old but the pretty, crisp Frua lines still look fresh. It was repainted in white in the early 1980s and partially refitted, as is obvious from the photographs.

It is complete and many components are in good order. Some will require refurbishment. There is a set of optional BMW Milano alloy wheels to complement the original steels with chrome hub caps.

The bodywork and structure are in good, very solid condition as shown in the photographs and the paintwork remains presentable. The interior appears complete and many elements look like they would respond to cleaning rather than full restoration.

The Mechanics

1,573cc BMW 4cyl engine rated at 100bhp
4spd manual gearbox
Engine run periodically to early 2000s
We are told the engine turns freely and has recently been inspected
Supplied with a pair of twin choke Weber DCOE 40s rather than original Solex units
Numerous spare parts, including two engine blocks and two gearboxes
Some mechanical components have been disassembled as shown in photographs
Only 95,784kms from new
BMW semi-trailing arm rear suspension

As you may expect of BMW, the 1600GT was more than a rebadged Glas. It was heavily re-engineered, most notably with the firm’s 1,600cc 100bhp engine and semi-trailing arm rear suspension. As with its other applications in the firm’s cars, the engine was canted heavily to one side to enable a low bonnet line.

The low displayed kilometerage of 95,784kms is reported to be genuine by the vendor because this car has not been used since 1982. During its extended dry storage the engine was fired up and run regularly until the early 2000s. It is reported to turn freely.

The 1600GT was originally fitted with Solex carburettors but is now on twin choke Weber 40s. Some components have been disassembled as shown in the photographs.

One great advantage of this project is that it is reported to be mechanically complete and usefully supplied with a large number of spares, as shown in the photographs. These include two engine blocks and gearboxes.

The 1600GT is one of the little known gems of BMW’s 60s period. Once complete, this quick and nimble GT will surely be hugely rewarding for the lucky buyer.

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