Car: 1800 (first series)
Years Produced: 1963-1968 (see note on production
years)
Production Volume: 127,599 (includes overseas production of 4,764, also
includes TI models)
Note: This
is mainly a place holder entry and will be improved upon in the future.
Apparently when the BMW board gave approval to build the 1500 there was
some disagreement between the board and the engineers (especially Alex Von
Falkenhausen) as to the size of the engine for the first "New Class"
car. The board favored (and finally decided upon) a 1.5 litre engine, but
the engineers preferred a larger displacement. The 1500's engine was designed
with enough extra volume in the block to allow easy expansion, and for 1963
the base four door body was offered with a new 1.8 litre engine.
The 1800 was to become arguably the racing heart of the new class, giving
rise to the 1800 TI and 1800 TISA. The latter car was the spiritual ancestor
to the M5, yet few people know of it's existance today.\
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History