1966-BMW-2000ti Race Car

Description

1966 BMW 2000TI Race Car

VIN – 1432151
Engine No. – M10B20 2363488 (Not Original to Car)
Exterior Color – White
Interior Color – Black
Engine Type – 4-Cylinder OHV with Twin Solex Carburetors
Transmission – Getrag 245 CR 5-Speed (Not Original to Car)
Differential – 4.10 2800 CS 70% Limited Slip (Not Original to Car)
Current Miles – Race Car TMU
Current Owner – purchased in 1996 by current owner

NOTE – Although this is a racecar, the car is offered with an Idaho State title, though the last registration was recorded July 1997.

Highlights for this car

Desirable 2000TI model with long-term ownership and racing history
Significant drivetrain services ($7,500.00) performed in 2017

General History

Introduced in 1961 as part of the “Neue Klasse” project which would ultimately transform BMW into a powerhouse of design and engineering, the three-box four door sedan was visually conventional but the unibody construction, independent rear suspension, and coil spring with semi-trailing wishbones, front disc brakes, and durable four-cylinder engines made these cars impressive performance sedans.

In 1966 the upscale version of the 1800 was released. The 2000 featured wide taillights, more exterior trim, and stylish front headlights which gave the car a unique presence. The most luxurious of the 2000 series was the TI (Touring International), which offered a higher-level interior trim, wood dashboard, and optional leather seats. A 1967 issue of Road & Track magazine article named the 2000 sedan “The best performing 2-liter sedan in today’s market and the best handling and riding as well.”

General Overview

This BMW was purchased by the current owner, a highly respected multiple BMW collector, in 1996. The car was a solid original vehicle purchased from the former owner residing in Pleasanton, California. The dry, solid shell made it an ideal candidate to be a vintage racecar, so the interior was relieved of extra weight and the shell prepared for race duty. A Lo Race Roll bar was installed, fire extinguisher, window cages, an electrical shut off switch, and shoulder harness for the driver. The engine was built by an engine builder in New York who reportedly was able to get 175hp from the specially prepared M10 B20 engine, likely built to rally 2000 specs. Once the build was completed, the car participated in the 1996 Monterey Historic Races and later in a 1996 CSRG event in Reno, Nevada, and Sears Point event at Sonoma.

In 2017 the car was extensively serviced checking all systems, changing all fluids, and removing the valve cover to inspect the camshaft. The Schrick 304 degree racing camshaft measured with tight lash on all valves, set to correct clearances. The right engine mount was replaced, spark plugs replaced, three spark connectors replaced, and a new alternator ground cable installed. The air box was restored, a new fuel sending unit installed, new thermostat, new outer universal joint, and new half-shafts installed. The rear brakes were inspected and adjusted, new front brake pads installed, and fresh brake and clutch fluid were filled and tested for operation. The battery was replaced, and various electrical was inspected including repairing a faulty turn indicator. A front and rear tow ring were also installed at this time.

General Condition

Today the overall condition of this racecar is good to very good. The exterior body and paint are in generally good condition with no major damage of note to what appear to be sound original body panels. The exterior finish is in keeping with typical racecar cosmetics but much of the original features are in place and in very good condition including the grille, taillights, various trim, and emblems. The bumpers, wheel covers, and rocker panel trim have been removed, but the door handles and side glass remain in place and still in very presentable condition.

Inside, the interior has been stripped of the rear seat, making room for the rollbar. The front seats are in place and appear original to the car, as is the dashboard and steering column. The rollbar is bolted to the rear fender wells and floor. There is no carpet or floor insulation. The door panels remain in place, however much of the door hardware has been removed to save weight. The onboard fire extinguisher is in place but will likely need to be recharged. A racing type steering wheel is installed and most of the original instruments are in place in the original dashboard, however it is uncertain as to which of these gauges currently function. A five panel Wink mirror has also been installed.

Under the hood a pair of Weber 45DCOE 13 carburetors are in place fed by a nicely finished airbox, recently powder coated when the car was serviced in 2017. The 4-cylinder M10 B20 BMW engine is clean and tidy, and the car starts and runs on its own power, holding idle and stopping at low test speeds. The trunk is stripped bare, housing a centrally located battery, spare tire, fuel tank, and factory jack.

The underside of the car is clean and shows evidence of the services performed in 2017 to the suspension, brakes, and other systems. The Getrag gearbox casing is in good condition with no major damage. The suspension members and various soft suspension parts and axle boots are also in generally good condition. The exhaust will need attention as both resonators have through holes due to corrosion. The unibody chassis appears to be quite good with only one notable metal patch in one seat tub. A few bumps and dings appear here and there, but along with the spare tire tub and fuel tank, the overall chassis appears quite sound.
Items Included with the Car

The car is accompanied by a spare set of four steel wheels and tires, two racing logbooks, an owner’s manual and pouch, a CA vehicle ID slip dated 1970 indicating the owner at that time (Pleasanton, CA), an original sales brochure, and a Bodyguard safety net.

Videos

Walkaround: https://youtu.be/AdgxbGsU0Tk

Driving: https://youtu.be/xRT_3KNWidM