1973 BMW 2500 Sedan - Cream - 31,471 Miles - Inline 6, 4-Speed Manual
Overview
This 1973 BMW 2500 represents a significant piece of German automotive engineering from the New Six era, a period when BMW was establishing itself as a purveyor of sophisticated, driver-focused saloons. The 2500 was the entry point to BMW's six-cylinder range, powered by the legendary M30 engine family that would define the marque for decades. This particular example is a genuine classic barn find, preserved in its original specification with matching numbers and period-correct details throughout. The cream exterior and brown cloth interior reflect the colour palettes of early 1970s European motoring, whilst the four-speed manual gearbox and power steering represent the practical engineering of the era.
This is a project car requiring comprehensive restoration. The bodywork displays the patina of long-term storage, with surface corrosion, paint loss, and bare metal exposure across the doors and rear quarter panels. Chrome trim shows heavy pitting, and the undercarriage exhibits significant rust development consistent with age and exposure. The interior upholstery is heavily worn and faded, the dashboard is cracked, and the steering wheel shows considerable wear. However, the structural integrity remains sound, the engine bay is complete and original, and the vehicle retains all its factory components. For the enthusiast restorer, this represents an authentic 1973 BMW with genuine provenance and the potential for a sympathetic restoration to either original specification or modern usability.
At the classic car market value of approximately GBP 4,000 to GBP 7,000 for a comparable restored example, this unrestored example offers significant value for the committed restorer willing to undertake a comprehensive rebuild. The 2500 has a dedicated following amongst BMW purists, and original examples are increasingly sought after as investment-grade classics.
Condition
The exterior presents as a genuine barn find with honest patina throughout. The cream paint is heavily oxidised with significant loss and bare metal exposure visible on both doors and the rear quarter panels. All chrome trim, including bumpers, trim strips, and window surrounds, shows heavy pitting and corrosion. The windscreen has minor chips but remains intact. All four doors open and close, though the fit and finish reflect the vehicle's age. The undercarriage displays extensive surface rust and corrosion development, consistent with prolonged storage in a damp environment. The spare wheel well shows significant rust pitting. Both front and rear bumpers are heavily corroded and pitted. The roof panel shows surface rust but no structural perforation visible. Panel gaps are even and straight, indicating no accident history or previous repair work.
The interior is heavily worn throughout. The brown cloth upholstery on both front and rear seats is faded and worn, with visible wear on the bolsters and seat bases. The dashboard is cracked across its width. The steering wheel is heavily worn with significant grip loss. The headlining is intact but discoloured. The carpets are worn and stained. All four windows operate smoothly. The heater controls are present and functional. The original brown door cards are intact but heavily faded. The instrument cluster is complete with all gauges present, though the odometer reads 31,471 miles. The original AM/FM radio is present in the dashboard.
The engine bay is complete and original. The M30 2.5-litre inline six-cylinder engine is intact with all ancillaries present. The engine number is visible on the block and matches the compliance documentation. Fluid levels are low, consistent with long-term storage. The battery is present but discharged. All hoses and wiring are original and brittle from age. The radiator is present and intact. The alternator, starter motor, and water pump are all original equipment. No modifications or non-standard components are visible. The engine has not been run in an extended period, and a full mechanical inspection and recommissioning would be required before operation.
The chassis and suspension components are original throughout. The four-speed manual gearbox is complete and intact. The steering box is original. The front suspension shows surface rust on the control arms and struts. The rear suspension is complete with original springs and dampers. All four wheels are fitted with aged tyres showing minimal tread depth and significant cracking from age. A spare wheel is present in the boot well. The brake system is complete with original cylinders and lines, though a full hydraulic system flush and brake fluid renewal would be essential before operation.
Features
* 2.5-litre M30 inline six-cylinder petrol engine, 150 horsepower
* Four-speed manual gearbox with floor-mounted shifter
* Power steering
* Four-wheel disc brakes with servo assistance
* Independent front suspension with MacPherson struts
* Semi-trailing arm independent rear suspension
* Original brown cloth interior trim
* Original AM/FM radio
* Heater and ventilation system
* Four-door saloon body configuration
* Right-hand drive specification
* Matching engine and chassis numbers
* Original compliance plate and documentation
* Spare wheel and jack present
* Tool kit present in boot
Condition Notes
* Extensive surface rust and corrosion throughout bodywork, particularly on doors and rear quarter panels
* Significant paint loss with bare metal exposure on multiple panels
* Heavy pitting and corrosion on all chrome trim and bumpers
* Interior upholstery heavily worn and faded throughout
* Dashboard cracked across full width
* Steering wheel heavily worn with significant grip loss
* Floor pan shows corrosion, though no structural perforation visible
* Undercarriage exhibits significant rust development consistent with age and storage conditions
* Spare wheel well shows heavy rust pitting
* Tyres aged and worn with minimal tread depth and visible cracking
* Engine has not been run in extended period; full mechanical inspection and recommissioning required before operation
* Brake system requires full hydraulic flush and fluid renewal before operation
* All hoses and wiring are original and brittle from age
* Battery discharged; replacement recommended
Specifications
Year: 1973
Make: BMW
Model: 2500
Body: Four-door Sedan
Engine: 2.5-litre M30 Inline Six-Cylinder Petrol
Power: 150 horsepower
Transmission: Four-speed Manual
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Steering: Right Hand Drive
Odometer: 31,471 Miles
Colour: Cream
Interior: Brown Cloth
Seats: Five
Doors: Four
Suspension: Independent front (MacPherson struts), semi-trailing arm rear
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with servo assistance<
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
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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