1968 BMW 1600 Chamonix

This beautiful Chamonix White BMW 1600 has been owned the same owner for last 18 years.  Throughout that time it had remained in essentially stock condition and only recently has it received a fresh new look with several tasteful updates including, Recaro seats, a sport steering wheel, and 15” BBS wheels.

Exterior

While working as an Airline Pilot, the owner purchased the vehicle in Germantown Tennessee in April of 1988.  Over the next few years the car became stationed at a variety of airports throughout the US; including Indiana, Missouri, and Oregon, before being relocated to Las Vegas in 1990.

The initial restoration really began in the early 90’s as the car had the rust removed and the engine rebuilt.  At that time the body received new rear quarter panels and a new rear tail panel, along with new front fenders.  The spare tire holder was replaced with a unit from a later model e30 allowing for the use of larger full size spare.  Some flooring was replaced and there are signs of some nose repair on the driver side (see existing weld line on radiator core support). 

A recent glass-out re-spray has just been completed in Chamonix White with several layers of clear.  Many of the seals were replaced including the front and rear windshield seals (with new chrome locking strips) as well as the rear quarter window seals, door handle gaskets, bumper gaskets, under hood seals, and drain tubes.

Additionally, all the belt line molding hardware and rocker clips were replaced, and all the original trim has been retained throughout.  Overall the exterior chrome is in decent original condition, but as a driver is certainly not with out its flaws for 38 years of use.  Most notably would be the gills that have been painted silver to counter a black out paint job at some point in the past, but remarkably look quite good. 
 
The 1968 models are free of the U.S spec reflectors found on later models, and early models include additional rare features such as the flush Euro-turn signals, and the red dot antenna.  The early trapezoid mirror has been updated with the later square style with a matching passenger side mirror. 

Interior

The interior features front Recaro seats in excellent condition and a rear bench seat that has been completely re-upholstered with new vinyl and shaped foam for durability and comfort.   A new Black 15 piece carpet kit has been installed with new pedal pad, and the interior has new pillar vinyl, and a new rear black vinyl parcel tray. 

The dash has several cracks typical to our desert life, and despite several repairs still resembles a dark dried lake bed in dubious condition.  The chrome ash tray and glove box metal is in excellent condition, though the flaked chrome on the remaining plastic panels was removed and painted to match as best as possible.

The headliner is completely new, using a crisp white marine vinyl for long lasting durability and the ease of future cleaning.  The sunvisors have not yet been installed, and though included, are still in need of being renewed. 

The door panels remain free of any speaker holes, and the center console is in very nice condition featuring a rare Blaupunkt recordable cassette radio player.  The radio lights up ands sounds great (though the recording function has not been tested since the late 80’s).  There is something very unique about listening to tunes via a single mono speaker system!

All of the seat belts are intact and fully functional (only lap belts for 1968, though shoulder harness upgrades bolt right in) and all of the knobs and controls are in working order, including the flashing red hazard switch, the wipers, washer sprayer, and yes, even the heater fan works great. 

The silver dollar style gauges all operate correctly, and the entire cluster was taken apart cleaned, case and rings painted and re-assembled with updated bulbs.

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Mechanical

The engine has remained free of modifications, and still runs on the original Solex single barrel carburetor with manual choke.  It drives wonderfully and has incredible power for a one barrel. 
 
The engine was rebuilt Fultz Machine Shop in 1991 (a highly respected local machine shop) at 95k miles.  They bored the engine 20 over and polished the crank.  Currently the vehicle has 112k, and the odometer is still rolling along smoothly.  Though the driving log supports this, please realize this only allows for 17k miles on a rebuilt engine during the last 15 years and there is no way to actually substantiate the vehicles mileage or usage. 

The engine does not smoke (not on acceleration, deceleration, or at idle) and remains easy to power through all the gears.  The engine has just been tuned and serviced with all new Bosch parts including plugs, points, rotor, and cap, and features the popular mechanical advance 002 distributor.  The fuel lines and filter have been replaced, and the Solex carburetor has been rebuilt.

The suspension received shorter springs Metric Mechanic, and the struts and shocks provide a firm but smooth ride.  The remote brake booster unique to the 1600 has been rebuilt, rear stainless brake lines were added, and the parking brake functions correctly. 

The Sumitomo 195/50/15 tires all have plenty of tread, but are getting on in years and should be replaced if you are planning a long drive home.  Additionally, upcoming maintenance should include replacing the rear CV Boots.  

This vehicle has been sold.

Thank you for your interest!