When traditional BMWs come to thoughts, the BMW 2002 from the Sixties sometimes involves thoughts. The 2002 is probably the most well-known automotive from the Neue Klasse era of automobiles within the ’60s and ’70s but it surely wasn’t the one one. One of many extra forgotten is the BMW 1600, which seemed and drove very like the 2002 but it surely had a smaller, much less highly effective engine. This proprietor has a BMW 1600, that’s fairly closely modified, sitting in his barn in Maine and it’s fairly the attention-grabbing little automotive.
The proprietor of this 1600 purchased it used and it was a California automotive, so it’s fairly far-off from residence proper now. Nevertheless, he’s had it for a very long time, so its new residence options a lot saltier, humid air, which is why it’s fairly rusty. In line with the proprietor, it’s largely strong and all the rust is on the floor, but it surely actually wants an entire paint strip, sandblast, and repaint.
That mentioned, it’s an attention-grabbing automotive that’s price restoring. Beneath the hood is the two.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder from a 2002, slightly than the 1.6-liter engine from the 1600. It additionally has an upgraded five-speed guide transmission and another enhanced goodies, so it’s extra enjoyable to drive than a normal 1600. Though, is it actually referred to as a 1600 anymore if it has the 2002 engine in it? Their names have been merely there to suggest their engine sizes, so in case you change the engine, do you modify the identify?
Nomenclature apart, this BMW 1600 is a really effectively worn, but additionally effectively beloved automotive with plenty of private historical past. The proprietor used to every day drive it and use it for driving his son round, so there’s some nostalgia there. So his need to revive it and as soon as once more take a protracted journey together with his son is comprehensible.
A pal of mine as soon as purchased a BMW 1600 and it was an extremely cool automotive. It was blue with black vinyl inside and had been fairly effectively taken care of, so it was in good operating situation. I keep in mind solely driving in it a few occasions however loving the way it rode, felt, and sounded. It was a particular automotive, regardless of not being the extra extremely wanted 2002. So I hope this proprietor does restore his automotive and get it again in good operating situation. Vehicles like this BMW 1600 should be saved alive and away from the scrapyard within the sky.
