Vehicle Information
Subjected to a complete bare metal restoration (photos available upon request), and impeccably finished, we could wax lyrical about the quality of the workmanship until the cows come home, but don’t take our word for it, look at the pictures and then come a view the car. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
The cabriolet conversion was offered by Karosserie Baur and called the “TopCabriolet” or TC for short. It consisted of a targa roof and an independent rear soft-top. The targa section was designed to fit neatly in the boot whilst the boot cover doubled as a cover for the plastic rear window protecting it from scratches and frost in winter.
The Baur body conversion was approved by BMW and the cars sold via the BMW dealership network with all Baur models having a BMW warranty. A total of just 4,595 cabriolets were produced worldwide, making this right-hand drive 323i the member of a very exclusive club.
The 323i was the top model and powered by the venerable and super smooth “M20” 2.3-litre six-cylinder engine using Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. Accelerating to 62 mph in just 8.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 118 mph, the 323i was a seriously quick car back in the day and still easily keeps up with the flow of traffic today.
Originally registered in September 1980 and showing just 68,600 miles, the polar silver paintwork is flawless and set off perfectly by the immaculate, original, multi spoke alloy wheels. The folding black rear roof section and targa panel are unmarked with the rear window being clear and free from scratches or marks.
The charcoal grey interior is beautifully preserved with excellent seat coverings and unmarked door cards, and delightfully the glovebox still retains the original plug-in torch. Thankfully the period Blaupunkt Coburg radio cassette is also present, with which to enjoy your selection of cassette tapes (remember those?).
Starting instantly and settling to a smooth idle, this 323i is an absolute joy to drive with engaging handling, powerful brakes and a lovely smooth engine. Being a proper four-seater, the car is eminently useable and offers real fun roof down classic motoring, and with your sensible hat on is likely to be an excellent long term investment due to the exclusivity of the Baur Cabriolet.
The history file that accompanies the car is extensive including photographs of the restoration, original stamped service book and book pack together with plethora of old MOT’s dating back to 1985 and numerous invoices.
Possibly the finest BMW 323i Baur Cabriolet available…… Simply Superb and unrepeatable.
