1965 BMW 2000C

Stepping even a bit further back in BMW’s timeline, today we have a Neue Klasse Coupe. The E120 was an evolution of the Bertone 3200CS design from the early 1960s, but BMW’s design head – one very famous Mr. Wilhelm Hofmeister – certainly added his own distinctive flair. However, he wasn’t alone – some of the most famous car designers from the period had influence – from the aforementioned Bertone, Giugiaro, and of course Michelotti (designer of the 700 series as well) all had a hand.

While the lines looked exotic, underneath the chassis and drivetrain were borrowed straight from the more pedestrian Neue Klasse sedans. Power came from the venerable 2.0 inline-4 M10 fed by twin Solex carbs. The CS had the higher compression (9.3:1) 120 horsepower version, while the C and CA made due with 100. This was still a huge step for BMW, who lacked the capability to produce the complex body structure on its normal assembly lines. As a result, like its successors the E9 and early E24 models, the 2000C, CA and CS Coupes would be produced by Karmann in Osnabrück. A total of approximately 13,691 were produced between its 1965 launch and the takeover of the 2800CS introduction in 1968.

So, they’re old, a bit quirky-looking by BMW standards, and rare. That certainly makes for the potential for a collector car! Let’s check out this first-year 2000C:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1965 BMW 2000C on eBay

Year: 1965
Model: 2000C
VIN: 1003205
Engine: 2.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Mileage: 27,000 mi (TMU)
Location: Fenton, Missouri
Price: Reserve Auction

1965 BMW 2000 C

Debut model year for BMW’s new flagship model
Euro-spec vehicle
Well-preserved original example
One of 13,691 New Class coupes built between 1965 and 1969 and one of 3,249 C coupes
2.0L OHC four-cylinder engine (code M10)
Three-speed automatic transmission
Polaris Silver exterior with a dark blue leather interior
Fully independent front and rear suspension and front disc brakes
VDO gauges and Grant GT steering wheel
Sold on New Jersey actual mileage title, showing 26,xxx km (16,xxx miles)

Rarely has such a rolling showcase had such polarizing styling but that is what developed after BMW revealed its New Class Coupes in 1965. This 2000 C example is an original-specification European model and has been well preserved for all these decades. It is being sold on an actual mileage NJ title, now showing 26,743 km. Same owner since 2000 when mileage was 24,801 km. We have no other documentation to to show mileage than the title.

Dressed in Polaris Silver Metallic, the car’s paint and trim are in overall very good condition. There is a lone sideview mirror on the driver’s side. The bodywork is straight and the engine bay is extremely tidy and the car’s chrome, wraparound bumpers fit tightly to the body.

This Bimmer rolls on Michelin blackwall all-season tires, size 195/70R14 at every corner. Each one is mounted on a steel wheel topped with factory wheel covers. The wheels covers are in good, original shape while the tires are in very good order.

Under that forward-hinged hood is a 2.0L OHC four-cylinder engine (code M10). It’s linked to a four-speed manual transmission.

Unfortunately, the early history of this car has been lost to the ages; however, it appears to have spent its early life on the European continent. As evidenced by its low miles, this BMW was used rather sparingly as the odometer today shows just under 26,750 km, which translates to around 16,620 miles. No antenna. Inspection did reveal that this car has had one repaint in its original color of Polaris Silver metallic, but the rest of this handsome two-door sport coupe looks to be in an unrestored state of preservation. The deep blue leather bucket seats, complete with factory headrests, are still soft and supple, though some wear on the driver’s seat was noted. Critical instruments are placed directly in front of the driver with the speedometer and tachometer taking center-stage. The dashboard, with its vinyl wrapped top panel, is accented by its original laminated wood fascia, which has come to need a bit of attention over half a century after it was installed. One of the few updates is the tri-spoke Grant GT steering wheel. The heating and ventilation controls appear to be in order accompanied by a period Philips AM-FM radio. The original dark blue carpeting shows no signs of abuse or excessive wear. Rear window switches are inop. Little details such as the sun visors and the headliner look to be in very good condition with no signs of soiling, sagging, staining
or other wear.

The bodywork looks to be in excellent condition and has been well cared for. This BMW has unibody construction. The floors are solid, but where the floors meet the inner rockers you will find some scale. (See Photos) Both doors open and close tightly and are aligned to factory specifications and the glass all around is clear with no issues. Inside the spacious luggage compartment, the floor is covered in the same style dark blue carpeting as found in the passenger area, with the spare tire and tools neatly stored under the panel. Factory steel wheels are wearing a recently installed set of blackwall radial tires and are adorned with original BMW full wheel covers.

Under the hood looks much as it did when new. A new battery was in place during our inspection which included new hold-down hardware. A turn of the key and the engine comes to life easily, slipping into gear with minimal effort. The acceleration is reported to be “adequate” for modern day traffic, but it is on a mountain road that the performance really excels. With its unique looks and stance, the 2000C makes a statement and this low-mile, well-preserved, genuine example is a throw back that instantly takes you to 1965.

The BMW New Class coupe range, which comprised the BMW 2000 C and BMW 2000 CS, was a coupé body style built by Karmann for BMW from the summer of 1965 to 1969. In 1965, BMW ended production of their Bertone-bodied 3200 CS coupe, the last of their line of V8 powered luxury cars from the 1950s. BMW decided to continue with a coach built coupe. Based on the New Class platform, the 2000 C and 2000 CS introduced the 2.0 L version of the M10 four-cylinder engine and replaced the 3200 CS as BMW’s flagship model in 1965.

Competition to this BMW in 1965 included Buick’s Skylark, Dodge’s Dart, Jaguar’s S-Type, Mercedes-Benz’s 230, Mercury’s Comet Caliente, Oldsmobile’s F-85 and Pontiac’s Tempest.

If you desire a classic BMW that is not 3-series model, you should take a look at this seldom-seen New Class Coupe. Its love-it-or-hate-it styling will definitely attract attention, wherever you take it. Stop by MotoeXotica Classic Cars today to look it over for yourself.

VIN: 1003205

This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 26,743 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear actual mileage NJ title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!

Note: Please see full terms and conditions listed below that pertain to the purchase of any said vehicle, thank you.

Well, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; haters of the G-Series grille be damned, there’s a pretty strong historical link to it in BMW’s early models. I don’t think there are a ton of people that will say the 2000-series coupes are prettier than the later E9s, but to be there’s a simple nature to their style that is somehow lost in the beefier models that came later. I also happen to love the smooth headlights, and overall this one is a beautiful example with some expected patina.

As mentioned before the break, these were pretty rare cars when new, and today they’re exceptionally infrequent to come across. They’re fairly desirable, too – a project example sold on BaT recently for over $10k despite needing at least double that amount more to get it ready. But the real litmus test will be the one currently up for sale. It’s a better color but in similar condition, so it will be interesting to see if it bids higher than the Polaris example’s current bid of $29k. We’ll see soon!

-Carter