• BMW’s first 100mph motorcycle, and its rarest post-war production model
• Matching numbers
• Older restoration
• Recently imported from Greece
• Newly serviced and tuned by a professional BMW motorcycle mechanic
The Appeal
With motorcycles as with motor-cars, the BMW name has been a byword for quality from the day production started in 1920. Constructing medium-sized, moderately sporting bikes for general road use, BMWs were always easy to recognize by their handsome black liveries highlighted with white coach lines, and their famously smooth boxer twins with shaft-drive.
The R68 was conceived as a high-performance model, following the R67 and first exhibited at the 1951 German International Motorcycle Show. With a higher power output of 35bhp, racing-type magneto, larger 26mm Bing carburettors, improved twin leading-shoe front brake and slimmer front mudguard, all the upgrades paid off; the R68 was the first production BMW to crack the ton, actually going on all the way to 105mph.
Unfortunately for the R68, BMW was working so hard on making further improvements that it was discontinued in 1954 after a very short production run, to be replaced by the much longer-lived R69. It’s good news today for collectors, though. Since only 1,452 were built, it is now prized as much for its exclusivity as it is for its historic significance, performance and good looks, and one example was even judged second-in-class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance a few years ago.
This example presents beautifully as an older restoration now mellowing nicely. Having lived in Greece from the 1960s until very recently, it requires registration with the DVLA, which should be an easy process, and then you can look forward to the adulation you will receive when you take the BMW out on its rally début.
• Imported into Greece and registered there on 29th December 1965
• Purchased by a British gentleman living in Greece in 1997, restored during his ownership and imported recently when he returned to Britain
• Acquired by the vendor, a professional BMW motorcycle mechanic, in April and given a service and tune-up, but personal circumstances now force the sale
• With no British registration and hence no V5, the only paperwork is a scan of the Greek registration document and the HMRC form confirming payment of customs duty
• Offered with a beautiful Royal sidecar, likely fitted when new or else shortly afterwards
• Handy luggage space for small items
Resplendent in the classic BMW black and white, this R68 is beautiful sight and should at home anywhere in the world, whether its touring English country lanes or hurrying through the Greek mountains. It presents really well having been repainted and reupholstered as part of restoration work undertaken by the previous owner, and has now mellowed enough with time and use that it doesn’t look too shiny and new for you to want to take it onto the road.
While there are a few small marks and chips in the paintwork, they don’t harm the general appearance, which has a lovely deep shine. The wheels are in excellent condition, the chrome is all in very good order and the upholstery in the Royal Seitenwagen (sidecar) still looks reasonably new.
Along with Steib and Stoye, Royal was one of Germany’s best-known manufacturers of sidecars and its products were attached to thousands of BMWs, NSUs, Glas-Goggos and Dürkopps around Europe in the 20th century. We hardly need to say more – you can see for yourself how nicely they were made. It will be noted that the rear section of the sidecar opens to reveal a modest luggage space, which could be ideal for picnic items or a day bag.
We have observed that the mudguards have closed sides unlike most fitted to R68s, so we believe they may actually be R67 items.
• Engine previously rebuilt with later cylinder barrels, heads and crankshaft
• Newly serviced and tuned by the vendor, a professional BMW motorcycle mechanic
• Said to run beautifully
If you’re buying a classic motorcycle in the knowledge that it was significant for its ability to exceed 100mph, you want to make sure it’s running well. To the best of our knowledge, this one is running well and it certainly ought to be, having received plenty of care from the previous owner and a little bit of fettling from the present one.
The previous owner had the engine rebuilt with later cylinder barrels, heads and crankshaft, which should make it a better bike to ride although, if you’d prefer strict originality, you will have to track down the correct items. Since purchasing the bike in April, the vendor has changed the fluids, retuned the carburettors and adjusted the rear brake, so everything should now be just right.
We are assured the BMW runs very nicely although, being unregistered, the vendor has obviously not had an opportunity to test it on a public road. Even though it doesn’t require an MoT, we will be surprised if it does not pass one with flying colours.
On account of its beautiful appearance, performance credentials and scarcity, to many people the R68 is one of the most collectible and desirable classic BMWs. This represents an especially fine example, not just for its condition but also for its charming, rare and useful Royal sidecar, which will let you go riding as a family of three of you really want to.
The mechanical attention this bike has received from both the previous owner and the current one make us confident that it’s all ready for the road, or will be once it’s UK-registered, and you can look forward to country rides and motorcycle rallies with a very rare and desirable machine.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1953 BMW R68 with Royal sidecar
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