The BMW 1600-2 evolved out of the revolutionary Neue Klasse of sedans that helped save the German automaker from insolvency after World War II. Smaller, more affordable, and with two doors instead of four, it was livelier and faster than its predecessors, thanks to being lighter. Debuting at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show as the 1600-2—with “1600” referring to its M10 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine and the “2” referring to its two-door body—the name would be simplified to 1602 in 1971. The model would remain in production through 1975 in various forms, including a more powerful Ti version as well as a limited-production cabriolet and Touring hatchback. Incredibly popular from the outset, it helped establish BMW’s reputation as a maker of sporty everyday cars, paving the way for the more powerful and well-loved 2002.

This 1600-2 was delivered new to Italy finished in Granada, color code 023, a bright shade of red that is relatively uncommon for this model from the first production series. It remained in Italy until being acquired by a dealer in the Netherlands in 2017. At the time, the car was remarkably intact and appeared to be highly original, showing little wear for its age and having been previously resprayed in its factory-correct color of Granada red.

The consignor would acquire the 1600-2 out of the Netherlands that same year and promptly import it to the United States, where it would join a noteworthy collection of classic BMWs. A stickler for precision and detail, the consignor invested upwards of $10,000 to have the car fully recommissioned in 2018, replacing the shock absorbers, various rubber seals, bushings, and hoses, along with a host of other mechanical and cosmetic parts. The interior appears impossibly clean for its age, likely indicating that the car was well-loved, sparingly driven, and pampered its entire life.

Highly collectible with its rare factory color and alloy wheels, this wonderful 1600-2 will be a talking point at any automotive gathering and is accompanied by a history file containing Italian registration documents, importation forms, and service invoices.