13 Rare Vintage BMWs That Enthusiasts Seek

BMW has a rich history of crafting some of the most iconic and rarest vehicles ever built. These rare vintage BMWs are sought after by enthusiasts for their unique designs, racing pedigree, and unmatched engineering. Each model stands out not just for its rarity, but also for the exceptional driving experience it offers. Their value has only increased over time, making them prized possessions in any collection.

BMW 507 Roadster

The BMW 507 Roadster is a masterpiece from the 1950s. It was designed by Albrecht von Goertz. This elegant roadster features a sleek aluminum body and a V8 engine. Only 252 units were produced, making it incredibly rare. The 507 was originally intended to rival Mercedes’ 300SL but was too expensive to produce. Today, its value ranges from $2 million to $3 million, depending on its condition and history. The 507 is celebrated for its timeless design and remains one of BMW’s most coveted models.

BMW 328 Roadster

The BMW 328 Roadster is an icon from the pre-war era. It was introduced in 1936 and quickly became known for its performance and sleek design. The 328 features a 2.0-liter inline-six engine, producing around 80 horsepower, which was impressive for its time. Only 464 units were produced, making it extremely rare. The 328’s lightweight chassis and aerodynamic body helped it achieve numerous racing victories, further enhancing its legendary status. Today, the BMW 328 Roadster is valued at around $1 million to $2 million, depending on its condition and history.

BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile”

The BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile” is a legendary racing car from the 1970s. It was developed to dominate European touring car races. The “Batmobile” nickname comes from its aggressive aerodynamics, including large fender flares and a massive rear wing. It was powered by a 3.2-liter inline-six engine, delivering exceptional performance. Only 1,265 units were built, with even fewer in the iconic “Batmobile” configuration. Today, its value can reach up to $1.5 million, making it a prized collector’s item.

BMW M1

The BMW M1 is a rare and iconic supercar from the late 1970s. It was BMW’s first mid-engine sports car, developed in collaboration with Lamborghini. The M1 features a sleek, wedge-shaped design and a 3.5-liter inline-six engine producing 273 horsepower. Only 453 units were produced, making it a rare gem. Its racing pedigree and unique design have made it highly desirable among collectors. The M1’s value today can exceed $600,000, depending on its condition and history.

BMW 2002 Turbo

The BMW 2002 Turbo is a groundbreaking model from the 1970s. It was the first production car to feature a turbocharged engine. The 2002 Turbo was based on the popular 2002 model but was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, producing 170 horsepower. Only 1,672 units were built, making it rare and highly sought after. The 2002 Turbo is known for its raw driving experience and distinctive “Turbo” graphics on the front spoiler. Its value can reach up to $150,000, depending on its condition.

BMW E9 3.0 CSi

The BMW E9 3.0 CSi is a luxurious and sporty coupe from the 1970s. It features elegant lines and a powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The CSi version was the top-of-the-line model, offering fuel injection for improved performance. Only a limited number of these coupes were produced, making them rare and desirable. The E9 3.0 CSi is known for its balance of comfort and performance. Today, it can be valued at around $100,000 to $150,000, depending on its condition and originality.

BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution

The BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution is a high-performance version of the iconic E30 M3. It was produced in limited numbers for homologation purposes in motorsports. The Sport Evolution features a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, producing 238 horsepower, and a lightweight body with aerodynamic enhancements. Only 600 units were produced, making it extremely rare. The E30 M3 Sport Evolution is revered for its precision handling and racing pedigree. Its value can exceed $250,000, depending on its condition and history.

BMW Z8

The BMW Z8 is a modern classic that pays homage to the 507 Roadster. It was produced between 1999 and 2003. The Z8 features a stunning retro design and is powered by a 4.9-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower. Only 5,703 units were produced, making it rare and highly collectible. The Z8 offers a unique blend of performance and style, with a value that can reach up to $250,000 to $300,000 today, depending on its condition and mileage.

BMW 700 RS

The BMW 700 RS is a rare and lightweight sports car from the early 1960s. It was developed as a racing version of the BMW 700, featuring a lightweight aluminum body and a tuned 697cc flat-twin engine. Only two units of the 700 RS were built, making it one of the rarest BMWs ever. The 700 RS was successful in motorsports, further enhancing its desirability. Its value today is difficult to estimate due to its rarity, but it is considered priceless among collectors.

BMW 2002tii

The BMW 2002tii is a beloved classic from the 1970s. It was a sportier version of the standard 2002 model, featuring mechanical fuel injection. The 2002tii’s 2.0-liter inline-four engine produced 130 horsepower, offering a spirited driving experience. This model became a favorite among driving enthusiasts for its agility and responsive handling. Around 38,000 units were produced, making it less common than the standard 2002. Depending on condition, the 2002tii can be valued at $30,000 to $70,000 today, with pristine examples fetching even more.

BMW E34 M5 Touring

The BMW E34 M5 Touring is a rare and practical high-performance wagon. It was produced in limited numbers between 1992 and 1995. The E34 M5 Touring is powered by a 3.8-liter inline-six engine, producing 340 horsepower. Only 891 units were built, making it one of the rarest M cars. Enthusiasts appreciate its combination of speed, handling, and versatility. The E34 M5 Touring is highly sought after by collectors, with values ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 depending on condition and mileage.

BMW 2000 CS

The BMW 2000 CS is a stylish coupe from the late 1960s. It was part of the New Class series that helped establish BMW’s reputation for sporty sedans and coupes. The 2000 CS features a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, producing 120 horsepower. Its elegant design, with distinctive forward-tilting kidney grilles, set it apart from other models. Only around 11,000 units were produced, making it relatively rare. The BMW 2000 CS is valued at approximately $30,000 to $60,000 today, depending on its condition and originality.

BMW E24 M635CSi

The BMW E24 M635CSi is a performance-oriented version of the E24 6 Series coupe. It was introduced in the 1980s and quickly became known as the “sharknose” due to its aggressive front-end design. The M635CSi is powered by the same 3.5-liter inline-six engine found in the M1, producing 286 horsepower. Only about 5,855 units were built, making it a rare find. The E24 M635CSi is admired for its blend of luxury and performance, with values today ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on condition and history.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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