Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 - Competition Cars on Saturday the 22nd of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. The foundation of BMW's post-war resurgence was the four-door 1500 saloon and its derivatives - the 'Neue Klasse' - introduced in 1961. All variants were powered by the Munich firm's dependable, single overhead-camshaft, four-cylinder M10 engine which, despite its humble origins, would later form the basis of a turbo-charged 1, 000bhp Grand Prix unit and Formula 1 World Championship winner. New for 1963, the 1800 model used a 1, 773cc 90bhp engine at first before rationalisation saw it replaced by an updated short-stroke 1, 766cc unit in 1968. Soon there was a more sporting version available – the 1800 TI (Touring International) – which had been developed by the tuning company Alpina and featured two twin-choke Solex carburettors and a higher compression ratio, modifications that raised peak output to 110bhp. This in turn led to the more powerful and track-focused 1800 TI/ SA 'homologation special'.
On offer here is a well known, race-proven, right-hand drive BMW 1800 TI, run and prepared to the highest standards by marque experts, Laranca Engineering. Before becoming a well seasoned race car, the TI was campaigned in rallying by Jill Watson during the 1990s and there is an accompanying history file with the car containing more information on its busy and impressive life.
The BMW’s last engine refresh was in 2018 by Laranca and since then it’s completed one race in 2018 at the Oldtimer event at the Nürburgring and hasn’t been campaigned since. The FIA papers (GB10243) are valid until 31st December 2026 ensuring that this car offers access into some of the most tightly contested and desirable Historic Motorsport championships on offer.
Our vendor has moved to South America and has reluctantly decided that it’s time to let it go. The TI is being offered at a seriously tempting guide price when you consider the cost to replicate, advertised prices for similar cars, and its proven race pedigree.
