1973 BMW 2500 Sedan - Cream - 31,471 Miles - Genuine Barn Find, M30 Inline-6, 4-Speed Manual
Price Guide: $4,500 - $9,000
Four-door sedan, 2.5-litre M30 inline-6, 4-speed manual, right-hand drive, 31,471 miles indicated, cream exterior, tan cloth interior, Thomastown VIC.
Description
The BMW 2500 is where the New Six story begins. Introduced in 1968, it was the first car to carry BMW's legendary M30 straight-six engine, the unit that would power the marque's flagship models for the next two decades. The E3 body is a handsome, understated design that has aged with dignity, and right-hand drive examples from the Australian and British markets are increasingly sought after by BMW purists who want something genuinely rare. At 31,471 miles on the odometer, this example is extraordinarily low in terms of indicated distance for a car of this era.
The photos show an honest barn find with the patina and corrosion you would expect from a car that has been in long-term storage. The cream exterior paint has oxidised heavily across all panels, with significant paint loss and bare metal exposure on the bonnet, doors, and rear quarter panels. Rust has developed on the lower doors, rockers, and rear quarters, and the chrome trim throughout shows heavy pitting. Previous owners fitted aftermarket BBS-style gold mesh alloy wheels in an 18-inch fitment, which give the car a certain character but are a clear departure from originality. The car sits noticeably lower than stock, suggesting suspension modifications. The interior shows its age with faded tan cloth upholstery on the front and rear bench, a worn steering wheel, and an aftermarket cassette head unit fitted below the original radio position. The dashboard is described as cracked across its width. The engine bay retains the complete M30 2.5-litre inline-six with all ancillaries present, and the engine number is said to match the compliance documentation. The boot contains two spare wheels, tools, and some loose parts.
For the committed BMW restorer, this is an authentic E3 with genuine provenance and matching numbers, all the bones to mount a sympathetic restoration. Comparable restored E3 2500 examples in the UK market have traded between GBP 4,000 and GBP 8,000, with better examples pushing higher. An unrestored project in this condition represents the floor of that market, with the upside entirely dependent on the quality of the restoration work brought to it. The low indicated mileage, if accurate on a 50-year-old mechanical odometer, adds an interesting layer to the story.
Features
* 2.5-litre M30 inline-six petrol engine, 150 horsepower
* Four-speed manual gearbox with floor-mounted shifter
* Rear-wheel drive, right-hand drive configuration
* Power steering
* Four-wheel disc brakes with servo assistance
* Aftermarket BBS-style gold mesh alloy wheels, 18-inch fitment (225/40ZR18)
* Lowered suspension (non-standard ride height)
* Original tan cloth upholstery front and rear
* Original three-spoke BMW steering wheel
* Wood veneer dashboard trim
* Aftermarket cassette head unit fitted below original radio housing
* Aftermarket rear parcel shelf speakers
* Heater and ventilation system present
* Original AM/FM radio retained in dash
* Two spare wheels present in boot (one with period BMW hubcap)
* Vendor advises matching engine and chassis numbers
* Vendor advises original compliance documentation present
Condition Notes
* Extensive paint oxidation and loss across all body panels, with bare metal exposure on bonnet, doors, and rear quarter panels
* Active rust on lower front door, rocker panels, and rear quarter panels, requiring remediation before restoration proceeds
* Significant rust development on undercarriage and spare wheel well consistent with long-term storage
* All chrome trim and bumpers show heavy pitting and corrosion throughout
* Interior upholstery heavily faded and worn, with visible soiling on seat bases
* Dashboard cracked across full width
* Steering wheel shows significant wear and grip loss
* All tyres aged with visible sidewall cracking and marginal tread depth
* Engine has not been run in an extended period; will require mechanical recommissioning
* Brake hydraulic system requires full flush and fluid renewal before operation
* All original hoses and wiring brittle from age
* Battery discharged
Specifications
Year: 1973
Make/Model: BMW 2500 (E3)
Body: Four-door Sedan
Engine: 2.5-litre M30 Inline-Six Petrol
Power: 150 horsepower
Transmission: Four-speed Manual
Drive: Rear-wheel Drive
Steering: Right-hand Drive
Odometer: 31,471 Miles (indicated)
Colour: Cream
Interior: Tan Cloth
Seats: 5
Location: Thomastown, VIC
Chassis: 2182423
If you have any questions relating to this vehicle, or if you would like to arrange a physical or virtual inspection, please contact Vorak directly on 0419 371 926
Lloyds stock #9939601+1
#CCALL
#CCEUR
Location of item: 4-10 Keon Parade, Thomastown, VIC, Australia
** This vendor is not registered for GST - therefore GST is not applicable on this asset **
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
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