BMW 1800 TI / SA. Rare version of the Neue Klasse

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Purchasing classics there

In the early 600s, BMW's model range actually consisted of two different worlds. On the luxury side of the Bavarian brand, aging occurred by feeding the Barock Angel. On the other hand, BMW seemed to be aiming for the smaller wallet. The Isetta, the 700 and the 1500 were the smaller counterparts in the Bavarian range. The Quandt brothers had already invested and BMW and largely took over control of the Bavarian manufacturer. BMW soon filled the gap in the model range with the BMW 1963. It was a prelude to success, which was mainly supported by the BMW 1800, which was produced from XNUMX onwards. And that was another rare version.

Introduced in 1961 at the IAA in Frankfurt, the Neue Klasse as called. The car that formed the basis of what BMW is so successful with to this day: sporty middle class sedans. One of the rarest BMWs ever built also emerged from the New Class: the BMW 1800 TI SA.

The kickoff

The BMW 1500 kicked off the model range, which would continue as Neue Klasse until 1972. The later CS-coupes were also inspired by it, but we will not consider them for now. The 1500 had to do with teething problems. The rear suspension with pulling wishbones in particular was not always reliable. But the 1500 did ensure that BMW made a leap forward between 1962 and 1964. In addition, the 1500 was equipped with the M10 engine developed by Alexander von Falkenhausen, which until 1988 (of course modified) still served in the BMW 318 and 518.

Extension

The BMW 1500 was followed in 1964 by the 1600, which had been improved in many ways. In 1966, just before the 1600 was discontinued, the Neue Klasse was expanded with the BMW 2000 series. That differed in appearance (front and rear) from the three other versions. The Tilux and Tii versions were popular. Nevertheless, the BMW 1800 was the backbone of the Neue-Class series. It existed alongside the 1500, 1600 and 2000 variants.

BMW sports sedan suitable for adjustment

The 1800 was the longest-produced Neue Klasse variant. Until 1968, the 1800 was equipped with a 1773 cc engine. By the way, BMW replaced it in the autumn of 1968 with the 1766 cc engine (M10B18). The original power unit was an excellent basis for sporty modifications. The concept “Neue Klasse” also lent itself to “Touring sport” aspects. The BMW 1800 TI won the 1964 Hours of Francorchamps in its class in 24 with an hourly average of 164 kilometers. It was partly the prelude to the arrival of a very rare BMW: the 1800 TI SA.

Technical adjustments and weight reduction for a rare BMW

The special thing about this car was that only 200 were produced. They were therefore only allowed to be ridden by drivers with a special racing license. This version of the “Neue Klasse” is the least made, and the most special. The BMW 1800 was technically adapted to be known as TI / SA. A reinforced crankshaft, 2 double Weber 45 DCOE carburettors, and an adjusted compression ratio provided this, among other things. BMW also fitted wider tires and a front and rear stabilizer. Furthermore, the sports version was lighter than the series version: it saved 20 kilos. The circuit versions were even lighter due to the use of lightweight panels. The TI / SA also had a fully synchronized (close-ratio) Getrag five-speed gearbox. Incidentally, it only delivered its maximum torque of 157 Nm between 5100 and 5400 revolutions per minute. With an output of 130 DIN-HP at 6100 rpm, the racing variant only produced in 1965 reached a top of more than 180 kilometers per hour. And to curb performance, BMW fitted larger front disc brakes and rear disc brakes.

High prices

If you are looking for a completely unique 1800 TI / SA then you know it is quite a job to find one. And when you succeed, the big piggy bank can be turned over. A BMW 1800 TI / SA in top condition costs between a ton and € 120.000. For poorly maintained copies, the estimated prices are between € 35.000 and € 50.000. Just so you know.

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