1972 BMW 1602

Imported from Italy four years ago, ‘TSX 896K’ is a charming 1972 BMW 1602. The seller, like us, is full of admiration for the car, saying: “it just does what it’s supposed to do”, which is high praise indeed and a greater compliment than many classics might be entitled to…

Restored while it was still in Europe and showing just one former UK keeper, our in-house assessor rates the BMW as being “very, very good” with “excellent bodywork” He goes on to say it “runs and drives beautifully”. 

The odometer reads 12,706 kilometres but it’s been round at least once, not that that should necessarily bother you given that restoration and a good recent service history.

If you’re still wavering, can we point out that it’s being offered with no reserve, so will sell no matter how derisory the bidding?

Our assessor hit the nail on the head with his description of the bodywork, didn’t he? In a fabulous condition there are only two small marks on either front wing, the condition of the panels (free of dents and dings) is matched only by their alignment, which is superb.

And, the dark blue paintwork, a colour second only to black in the ruthlessness with which it highlights any problems, only adds to the gravitas, doesn’t it? It really does still look every inch the junior executive car it was marketed as. 

As we mentioned in the introduction, the 1602 was restored in Italy; we also note it then received further titivation via almost £1,200 spent at Jaymic on bits and bobs for the bodywork. “I was careful to keep it original” the seller told us.

It was worth every penny and every hour that was showered on it.

The chromework is also good and it is supported in its role by a pair of black and silver number plates and good lamp lenses and glazing.

The 13-inch alloy wheels are in a decent condition, and they’re shod with tyres that have good tread on them – and those tyres are matching Hankook Optimo, which is great to see. 

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

As for work to do, while the alloy wheels are decent there is a little surface corrosion on them so we can see refurbishment is probably in their future. Not that they are bad; it’s just that everything else is so good that anything that isn’t excellent stands out more than it would on an inferior car. 

Other minor flaws include some pitting to the rear bumper, a small rust bubble on the boot lid, and a crack in the paint at the end of the offside roof rain channel.

The interior is every bit as nice as the exterior. Still minty fresh and immaculately presented, we’re struggling to find anything of significance to fault: From the firm and flawless seats to the taut and untainted headlining, everything is really rather lovely.

The carpets look new, and the fact they’re the correct one with rubber cut-outs for the floor-hinged pedals speaks volumes as to the care with which the restoration was undertaken.

We could waffle on for longer but there’s really no need, is there? Quality will always out and this is one of the very best examples we’ve seen.

We are also told that the steering wheel that’s fitted is rare and presumably worth a few quid if you fancy selling it and refitting the original, which comes with the car. 

As you can see, any work that needs doing is minimal. The pedal rubbers are worn and the gear knob has deteriorated but, like the exterior, we’re only mentioning stuff like this because everything else is so good.

The seller bought the BMW direct from the chap who imported it. It was running well at the time but he thought there was still room for improvement so spent a small fortune with Jaymic, the well-known independent BMW parts supplier, on service items plus a new fuel pump and an electronic ignition system.

As you can see, it now starts well and idles and revs as it should. We’ve given it a test drive and our man reports back that it “runs and drives beautifully” although it does have a hole in the exhaust.

As for its cosmetic condition, if you were to clean and paint the radiator and air filter housing we couldn’t accuse you of being overly fastidious – but if you were to go any further then we’d assume you and the 1602 are heading for the showground. 

The BMW doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies… 

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar the marker for its imported status.

The history file contains the paperwork for the items the seller has bought and fitted plus the V5 registration document.

Being offered with no reserve and an estimate of between £7,000 and £13,000, this BMW 1602 offers an awful lot of ‘bang for the buck’. 

Only for sale because the he’s having some building work done and has temporarily lost his garage space as a consequence, his refusal to let his beloved car sit outside over the winter gives you an opportunity to get your hands on an unusually good example of a brilliant little car.

There are a few small cosmetic jobs to complete, and if you were to spend the winter getting them sorted you’d have one of the very best, if not the best, example in the United Kingdom.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.