One piece of advice most project car owners will give you is to buy a car from another enthusiast. While not always possible, it can lead to a better outcome and sometimes you can even piece together clues about a car’s past based on a string of passionate owners. This 1967 BMW 2000CS here on eBay wears some clues as to such a history, and it’s listed with no reserve and bidding just over $2K.
This 2000CS is now a member of an elite club of BMW automobiles that are quickly rising in value, especially in non-rusty, unmolested form. Unfortunately, this car suffers from both ailments, sporting a non-original (and less desirable) engine and hiding rust in the body panels. But it’s those basketweave-style wheels and old-school BMW Car Club of America sticker in the back window that give me hope this 2000CS has been loved.
On the inside, the Nardi-style sport steering wheel and what look to be either period Flo-Fit or Recaro seats further convey that this classic coupe resided in an enthusiast home for some time. The wood veneer on the dash looks restorable, and while the seats and steering wheel may be non-original, they can also be considered rare upgrades that could either be used in this application or sold to cover the cost of sourcing original items.
While the seller acknowledges there is rust over all of the outside panels, he doesn’t provide detailed photos of the corrosion. All that’s offered is that the next owner won’t have to replace full body panels; just do the bodywork with the existing pieces. The BMW shares space with a Mustang in a possible Mach I configuration, making me curious what else is in what appears to be a storage facility parking lot. Which one would you choose?
Interesting car. Would like more photos of the sides etc. If basketweaves are cool I have 4-extra with winter tires i really don’t need. Just kidding. They fit my current BMW
rather have the mustang
It’s a 71or later Mustang. Only 70 and earlier for me.
No enthusiast would neglect a car like that
like don said, wonder what’s up with the Mach 1. Usually ca. cars have a lot less rust than other parts of the country. Had to ask them ,got the nose bag on. My first car in 77 was a 73 mach. Great cat but couldn’t see out the back window very good so my next car was a 73 cpe with Mach 1 options, anther great car and you could see great out the back window. All that’s right this post was about a bimmer, sorry.
If I’ve ever seen a lazy Seller, this one qualifies in spades. What “enthusiast” list a car to sell with it sandwiched between another vehicle and a trash container? Couldn’t the Seller get some buddies to help push the BMW out in the lot so thorough pictures could be taken? I cannot believe people are bidding on this with so few pictures.
Too much for what is. Buy American
I have worked on two of these and the bodies have hidden rust traps all over them and far less rust protection than they should have had for the price. They are horrible to work on and complex to take apart, repair and reassemble. Beyond that is the cost. What may look simple could easily be so badly damaged from hidden rust that it is from a cost stand point impossible to put right.
They are wonderful to drive and compare well with some of the more current 5 series and again these are beautiful cars but unless you really have to have one and in combination you have a very thick wallet that needs to be made thinner or far more time than good sense I would suggest being very very careful and not concluding a purchase until you have inspected the car in person and use magnets to find metal that is about gone. Get it up on a lift and go over everything. The mechanicals and electrics are not bad but the body if rusty is a true nightmare to put right again.
One of the most lovely cars ever made. Looks far better for real than in any photos, and yes, I do like the front end. But Bruce Best is right. Be very careful. You could very well buy a beautiful runner for less than the cost of restoring this one. Just know what you’re getting into, as best you can.
Would rather have the 71-72 mach 1….
Agree with Bruce, I owned a ’74 3.0 cs back in the day, and while the body looked great, a look under the hood revealed a gaping hole near the shock tower, and rocker panel covers hid major rust. It was said these cars would rust if you spit on them! Blame Karmann? Still loved it much, and really enjoyed driving from MI to CA, where they were very popular.Prices are skyrocketing, but only for lifetime rust free examples
As mentioned do NOT consider buying one of these without learning as much as you can first.
These are these incredibly rust prone and the body construction makes them among the most challenging to repair.
They ARE stunningly beautiful though.