Vehicle Description
Evolve Motors and Chicago Car Club are pleased to present this '79
323i Baur! BMW Serial #: 6508285 Baur Serial #: 000340-01 Assembled
by BMW in August of 1978, this 323i was destined for the European
market, as were all 323is. Here in the United States, we were
limited to only the four-cylinder variants of the E21, the first of
BMW's famed 3-series. The US-spec cars were a joy to drive, but
were saddled by a lack of power. They handled well, but didn't feel
quite lively enough when you got on the throttle. The European
market received the 323i in addition to the four-cylinder variants,
which was equipped with a 2.3L 6-cylinder, which turned the E21
from a fun commuter to a properly sporty car. Karosserie Baur, a
Stuttgart-based coachbuilder, saw an opportunity in the BMW E21.
Baur would take brand new E21s and convert them to Targas; however,
the term Targa was already in use by Porsche, so Baur referred to
the cars as TC, or "Top Cabrio". This particular TC1 was actually
produced during Baur's first year of E21 modification, it's one of
only 1659 Baur TC1 323is ever built! This is one of very, very few
TC1 323is in the United States. Baur's TC1 was so well received
that they continued on to make the TC2, TC3, and TC4. Exterior:
Right around the year 2000 this car was brought to Ultimate BMW in
New York, where they stripped the car down, repaired a couple dings
and signs of rust, and repainted the car in an OEM grey that was
slightly darker than the original Polaris. The car presents very
well, as one would expect from a restored car. Paint looks great
everywhere except for the passenger side of the hood, where it
looks like some dust may have found its way into the paint. It's by
no means glaring, but there is some texture to that side of the
hood (see photos). Aside from that, all panels are blemish-free and
shine brilliantly. The Baur top was just serviced, during which
time the plastic rear window was replaced. Top folds as it should
and the grey leather boot is in great shape. Chrome side mirrors do
show some oxidation, and chrome Euro bumpers are showing a bit of
aging. Wheels are in excellent shape, as are the tires, which have
9/32" tread depth remaining at all four corners. Interior: As
you'll note from the photos, all dash text is in German. While not
too shabby, the interior isn't quite as well-presented as the
exterior. Blaupunkt Lexington works, as does heat. AC blows, though
not very cold. Seats are fairly tired, driver's seat is fraying a
bit. The dash has a couple light cracks. Carpet is in good shape
throughout, with no tears or stains. Door panels are in great shape
and are free of any scuffing. Overall, this car looks like it's
been enjoyed with the top down and the sun out, which is just what
we'd want to do with it too. Mechanical: In 2014, after six years
of sitting stationary in a garage in New York, this car had a
thorough mechanical sorting, to the tune of over $10,000. Receipt
from The Little Garage in Huntington New York in-hand. Work
performed includes a rebuild of the fuel distributor, as well as
replacement of the water pump, hoses, timing belt, timing belt
tensioner, fuel pump, fuel tank sending unit, fuel filter, air
slide valve, warm up regulator, spark plugs, battery, ignition
lock, trunk lock, and steering lock. Both fuel tanks were removed
and cleaned with acid, as well as the inside re-coated. This car
fires right up and runs extremely well (it'd better after that
service!). It's quick, nimble, and an absolute blast to drive.
There is very little rust on the car. Take a look at the inside of
the truck, extremely nice. Underneath, floor boards and rockers are
in great shape. There's some surface rust on various components,
but no through rot or areas of concern. This car is ready to be
driven and enjoyed by its next owner. Please feel free to reach out
to Jake at 773-267-2684 with any further questions.