As the resident BMW enthusiast, I’m always undecided where I stand on the novel Baur conversion cars. They sport a unique combination of roof panels and pillars, affording a combination of open-air experiences. However, they never seem to command much of a premium over a comparable car despite being considerably rarer than hardtop or standard convertible models. This Euro-spec car here on eBay remains in excellent condition with a Buy-It-Now of $7,900.
The European-market features of an E30-chassis 3-Series include smaller chrome bumpers; less restrictive emissions equipment; H4 headlights; and a few other small items that may escape the untrained eye. I suspect this car went through some level of federalization, as the sides sport retrofitted side markers – which may mean it also has standard U.S. emissions gear.
The cabin has a few tell-tale signs of being a Euro-market car, like the crank windows. Of course, early U.S. E30s also had crank windows, but those are fairly rare. Standard-issue sport seats look to be in nice shape, and drivers will find the preferred manual transmission. Under the hood is a Euro-specific 2.0L M20 inline-six cylinder engine, smaller than the U.S. 2.5L.
The Baur was imported in 1987, so it has been stateside a while and fully legal for U.S. road use. The seller notes several important maintenance items have been addressed, including updates to the cooling system, new belts, valve adjustment, replacement muffler, shifter bushings, and more. While it will always be quite rare, I suspect values won’t swing over time.
Is it my imagination or does it seem to be riding a bit high?
Jeff, my “trained eyes” see US spec. headlamps. No H-4s here and no H-1 high beams either. You are correct that these do not command a higher price than any other nicely kept E30. But, I do think that a semi-rare one like this will not depreciate if well maintained.
Looks like a 4×4
Sorry, I missed the part about “original spec headlamps”.
No idea why anyone would want a Baur top on a car that’s available as a real convertible.
My Lancia Beta Zagato spider has a similar roof configuration. Here in Tucson, I actually prefer it to a full droptop, as I can leave the targa panel in place to keep the brutal summer sun at bay, and merely drop the rear ragtop for open-air ventilation.
I didn’t like the Baur back in the day and it hasn’t aged any better.
The proper convertible is so much nicer.
Nice to see it though ..
Reminds me of what Jaguar did with the XJ-SC.
An interesting piece of trivia is that Baur was the company that Porsche worked with on the making of the legendary 959, in fact it is said that Baur actually made this car…. and on the basis of this alone I want the car!!!
Ended: Aug 06, 2019 , 9:00PM
Price:US $7,000.00
Now relisted with a BIN of $6,900.