BMW managed to out-maneuver industry leader Mercedes-Benz by carving out a niche as “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” It took a long time to develop that credo, and its origin can be found with the Neu Klasse line series of sedans and coupes that first appeared in 1962. One of those early Bimmers, a 1965 BMW 2000 C coupe for sale on ClassicCars.com, is the Pick of the Day. It is being offered by a dealership in St. Louis. (Click the link to view the listing)
The first of the new class of BMWs was the 1962 1500 sedan, which culminated with the 2000 sedan from 1966-72. In 1965, a Neu Klasse range of coupes debuted. Both the 2000 C and 2000 CS featured a 2.0-liter OHC four, with the C featuring a single Solex carburetor for 100 horsepower, while the CS used two for a 20-horse bump. A four-speed manual was standard for both, with the 2000 C available with an automatic as an option. These coupes would be available through 1969.
These vehicles laid the groundwork for what was to come. The sedans became the “E12” 5-series, while the coupes became the “E9” 2800 CS, both with inline-sixes. The Neu Klasse sedan also served as the basis for the two-door range known as the 02 Series. Utilizing a shortened platform, it began as the 1966 1600-2 and famously evolved into the 2002.
This 1965 BMW 2000 C is an original European-spec vehicle (the hint is the headlights) showing 26,743 kilometers, with almost 2,000 kilometers added in the past 23 years ago. Dressed in Polaris Silver metallic, this Bimmer’s “bodywork is straight and the engine bay is extremely tidy,” according to the seller, though where the floors meet the inner rockers, you’ll find some scaling. “The car’s chrome [and] wraparound bumpers fit tightly to the body.” The blue leather interior is “still soft and supple, though [there is] some wear on the driver’s seat.” The dashboard’s laminated wood fascia will need attention but heating, ventilation, and period-correct Philips AM/FM radio are said to be in working order. “Under the hood looks much as it did when new,” adds the seller. “A turn of the key and the engine comes to life easily, slipping into gear with minimal effort.”
What you have here is a precursor to the “Bavaria” coupes of the 1970s. They both share the same striking figure, but they don’t share the same insane price. While the 3.0-liter variants routinely hit six figures, you can pick up this tidy Teuton for $28,900. That light, airy greenhouse is begging you to sit in and drive it like the ultimate driving machine.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
