Highlights
- One of only 1,874 BMW 320/6 Baur TopCabriolets produced
- Believed to be one of just 103 factory 320/6 automatics
- Restored and repainted car in cream white with new red fabric roofs
- Comprehensive mechanical overhaul carried out in 2018
- Dry stored and little used since completion
- Imported from Germany with local duties and taxes paid
- Supplied with spare set of rare BBS Mahle gold alloys
The Appeal
It’s perhaps not surprising that just 1,874 customers bought Bauer’s high-quality, hand-finished TopCabriolet when new, because despite its obvious appeal, the 40% premium over the saloon could have bought a brand new VW Beetle. The first buyer of this E21 Baur also selected the expensive automatic option.
According to the German Bauer TC1 Register, just 103 Bauer buyers made the same decision, which makes this very early 1978 car especially rare. The current keeper says he bought it in 2018, importing it from Germany and paying the appropriate duties and tax. He quickly set about a comprehensive restoration, stripping the body of all fittings, including glass, and repainting it in smart cream white. Mechanically, the car received a thorough overhaul covering the engine, braking system, suspension, steering and fuel system. The project then stalled due to Covid when the car went into storage. It has recently received a new Targa top and rear soft top, smartly trimmed in dark red. The underside has also been undersealed and treated. A service was carried out earlier this year.
The car presents very well, though it has a few light paintwork scratches from storage. The interior appears to be original and unrestored but looks smart. The buyer can use the fitted ‘turbine’ alloys or an additional set of BBS Mahle wheels, which are included in the sale. The vendor notes the car will need some attention before regular use following garage storage since 2019. For the buyer seeking a distinctive and characterful classic with much of the heavy lifting already done, this Baur TopCabriolet warrants a closer look.
The vendor says:
“This is not just an ordinary E21, nor is it a conventional convertible.
“The Baur TopCabriolet, powered by the 320/6 six-cylinder engine and equipped with an automatic transmission, is made even rarer and more distinctive by its factory features, including electric chrome mirrors and alloy wheels. One of only 1874 BMW 320/6 Baur TopCabriolets produced, further distinguished by the rarely specified automatic transmission. The unique Baur roof system features a removable upper roof section and a folding fabric rear section. With the roof open, the car takes on the character of a classic convertible while retaining the unmistakable silhouette and proportions of the E21.
“A truly distinctive automobile with a character of its own — one that simply cannot go unnoticed. It is a car that has been carefully maintained and stored, and I hope it will find a new owner who will give it the attention and enjoyment it deserves.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 156,000 km indicated (stated correct but not verified by inspection history)
- Country of Registration: Originally registered in Germany
- Import status: permanently imported with duties and taxes paid; buyer is responsible for local registration
- Technical inspection status: no current certificate
- Technical specs: 2.0-litre inline six-cylinder, three-speed automatic
- Paperwork: handbooks, restoration photos, registration document
The Detail
- Bodywork and paintwork completed during current ownership in 2019
- Bodywork stripped as shown including engine and glass then repainted
- Finished in cream white which remains in good order
- We are told that the paintwork has some scratches due to storage
- Underside professionally undersealed and wax-treated for rust protection
- Sits on factory ‘Turbine’ alloys in fair condition with some scuffs to note
- Tyres dated 2016 but appear to be little used showing deep tread
- Spare set of BBS Mahle alloys with old tyres included as shown
- The vendor states the interior is in very good condition with all features functional
- Black leather interior with matching carpets appears to be original and unrestored
- Interior features good switchgear, trim and door cards and Grundig radio cassette
- Soft top and hardtop recently redone in smart dark red fabric
- Vendor describes roofs as being in very good condition
- Electrical system inspected and serviced, including an inspection of all relays
- Recent service carried out earlier in 2026, including fresh engine oil, new filters and new spark plugs
- Rare factory options include electric chrome mirrors, automatic and alloy wheels
- Additional set of BBS Mahle wheels included in the sale
- Car starts, shifts through gears and brakes, but will need some attention before regular use due to extended storage
Summary of mechanical restoration in 2018
- Timing belt and water pump
- Spark plugs, filters, engine oil and gearbox oil
- Brake master cylinder
- Rear brake cylinders and brake shoes
- Front brake discs replaced with period correct Bendix discs
- Brake pads, brake lines and flexible brake hoses
- All suspension and steering bushes replaced with Powerflex bushes
- Steering rack refurbished
- Front and rear shock absorbers replaced
- Fuel lines and fuel tanks
- Entire electrical system inspected and serviced
- Complete check and inspection of the relays
Service work in 2026:
- Fresh engine oil
- New filters
- New spark plugs
The vendor says:
“I have personally driven the car for only about three months, during which time it was registered on temporary plates and covered approximately 300–400 km.”
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