Coming to us from Hickory, North Carolina is this rare Baur E21 “topcabriolet”, listed here on facebook Marketplace for $14,500. Thanks to Vibhic for the tip! Karosserie Baur was founded in the early 1900s, building specialty bodies for a variety of makes including Opel, Steyr, Studebaker, Horch, Lancia, even Ford. By the 1930s, Baur was transforming BMWs, a relationship that evolved for decades – though without ever becoming exclusive. (If you’re a fan of the M1, you know that Lamborghini was assigned manufacturing duties for that model, but the company’s financial condition did not permit it to fulfill its obligations to BMW; instead, assembly was shifted to Baur.) How rare is this car? Sources indicate that only 4595 E21 Baurs were made. Notably, the top could be positioned four ways, making it a true cabriolet rather than a convertible.

The first three-series cars were launched in the wake of the beloved 2002, and buyers were disappointed. The new car was heavier without a commensurate increase in power. In 1977, BMW shifted to a new 1990 cc six cylinder – an upgrade over the four-pot – breathing through a four-barrel Solex carburetor. The engine is good for 120 hp and a zero to sixty time of around ten seconds. Here in the US, we received the injected version of this engine with only about 105 hp, so this car was likely privately imported at some point. As with many German cars of the era, fuel efficiency was not a consideration when this car was made, so expect to visit your local gas station frequently. The standard transmission was a four-speed Getrag, but a three-speed ZF automatic could be specified. The seller notes an odometer reading of 40,160. No mention is made of its current running condition, however. The underside is suitably clean, attesting either to genuinely low mileage or caring owners.

The interior could use work, with minor wear apparent throughout. The seats need rebuilding, including new foam; fading has affected the dash and steering wheel; the rear parcel shelf is curling up at one corner. The carpets – which wear like iron – could use a good cleaning. That said, these cars are comfortable and the ergonomics are pretty friendly. In fact, the interior design became a BMW benchmark going forward, with its driver-centric arrangement of gauges, pedals and gearshift.

The plastic rear window needs to be replaced and the paint could use buffing and waxing. The trunk is spiffy, though, with an extra air cleaner assembly laying about and the tool kit still strapped in its cavity. Today, Baur is buried inside Semcon, headquartered in Sweden, which bought IVM Automotive, Baur’s prior owner. Its most recent styling exercise was a convertible SUV shown at Geneva in 2002. Meanwhile, these BMW Baurs rarely trade hands; recent results involve the larger-engines three-series and the 2002 versions. Eyeing the prices we see and considering condition, we think this car will need a slight discount to find a new home.