1979 BMW 730
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Highlights
• Excellent condition throughout
• Rare version in today's market
• Individual specification
The Background
Right from its launch in 1977, BMW’s Seven Series was always the more ‘techy’ and sporting choice amongst executive saloons. Even this, the first incarnation (E23) was equipped with an on-board computer and a service interval indicator. And where its rivals were more often equipped with V8s, BMW made great play of the versatility of its single overhead-cam M30 range of six-cylinder engines.
In the E23, these were most typically in 2.8, 3.0 and 3.5-litre guise, both with carburettors (more celebrated) or with Bosche fuel injection. The non-fuel injected 728 was only produced for one year – 1979 – and sported a four-pot Solex carb to feed fuel to the engine.
The History
On purchasing the BMW two years ago, the owner immediately set about renovating and refreshing the car. In 2020, the 730 was stripped back to bare metal and resprayed in the same shade of metallic blue in which it left the factory. Where necessary – most notably in the inner and outer sills – rust was cut out and replaced with new metal.
Ever keen to maintain and improve the appearance of this striking youngtimer, the owner as carried on his process of updating worn trim as suitable parts have come to market. The brakes have also lately been fettled and the wheels refurbished, and indeed, the car comes with a new caliper kit and a fresh set of pads.
Ever keen to maintain and improve the appearance of this striking youngtimer, the owner as carried on his process of updating worn trim as suitable parts have come to market. The brakes have also lately been fettled and the wheels refurbished, and indeed, the car comes with a new caliper kit and a fresh set of pads.
The Paperwork
Although there are no bills for the paintwork, the receipts for the trim parts bear witness to the owner’s determination to hold out for ‘new old stock’ or as-new second hand parts.
For example; taillights – £247 each. A considerable amount was also spent on the new bumpers - £1000 for the steel and £200 for the rubber trim at each end. Ouch.
For example; taillights – £247 each. A considerable amount was also spent on the new bumpers - £1000 for the steel and £200 for the rubber trim at each end. Ouch.
The Exterior
Resprayed in its original shade of light blue metallic, this shark-nosed BMW retains the sharp lines that made the model stand out against other executive saloons at launch.
The finish is excellent across the car with a consistent gloss across all panels and different materials. Another aspect that makes this car look so smart is the condition of the trim, much of which, as already mentioned, is quite new. Consequently, the bumpers – front and rear – are very straight, with deep black rubber sections and bright chrome inserts, and those trademark grill ‘kidneys’ are clean in every nook and cranny.
Badges too and door chrome inserts are bright and free of any pitting. (The chrome trim to the driver’s door sits a little proud at one end, but there is a new part ready to be fitted). Original chrome parts are also very good, save for a tiny area of pitting on the wing mirror supports, and the black powder-coated window surrounds show no corrosion in the metal underneath.
The finish is excellent across the car with a consistent gloss across all panels and different materials. Another aspect that makes this car look so smart is the condition of the trim, much of which, as already mentioned, is quite new. Consequently, the bumpers – front and rear – are very straight, with deep black rubber sections and bright chrome inserts, and those trademark grill ‘kidneys’ are clean in every nook and cranny.
Badges too and door chrome inserts are bright and free of any pitting. (The chrome trim to the driver’s door sits a little proud at one end, but there is a new part ready to be fitted). Original chrome parts are also very good, save for a tiny area of pitting on the wing mirror supports, and the black powder-coated window surrounds show no corrosion in the metal underneath.
Panel fit is very good with consistently narrow shut lines around the car. The big doors - and the bonnet – open and close smoothly without creaking or sagging.
The Interior
The cabin of the BMW retains all the quality – and late-Seventies executive vibe – that it was given by its designers. Fairly unusually, this Seven Series is trimmed in blue-grey velour rather than leather. The material has obviously been well looked after and has stood the test of time very well.
The velour maintains a deep and consistent colour (there is a slightly different colour patch on the rear seats, where a news paper was laid – for a number of years!), but the contrast is not drastic.
The pile in the material is good and bolster and cushion edges are free of any significant wear. Neither do any cushions sag, nor is there looseness in the seat mechanisms. Carpets are similarly clean and the edges of mats straight. Looking up, you will notice that the headlining is exceptionally clean and taut.
The velour maintains a deep and consistent colour (there is a slightly different colour patch on the rear seats, where a news paper was laid – for a number of years!), but the contrast is not drastic.
The pile in the material is good and bolster and cushion edges are free of any significant wear. Neither do any cushions sag, nor is there looseness in the seat mechanisms. Carpets are similarly clean and the edges of mats straight. Looking up, you will notice that the headlining is exceptionally clean and taut.
Interior leather/plastics are particularly good for the car’s age, showing no warping or significant signs of wear on handles, gear selector and steering wheel. There are no scratches from rings or keys either. This is true of the door handles too (with chrome caps intact and shiny) – they remain firmly mounted on door cards that are straight and match the colour of the rest of the interior.
The Mechanics
The engine bay was not painted in the respray, but nonetheless looks quite presentable and the paint in this area in pretty good condition. The engine and its ancillaries appear ‘weathered’ but robust. There are no signs of leaks, though some components do show light oxidation or surface rust – in the case of some of the plumbing. The main cooling hoses and their jubilee clips appear strong and healthy, as does the radiator and fan.
At the other end of the car, the metal in the boot looks very sound, with no evidence of damp or rotting in either area. Rubber seals also appear to be supple and in very good health. Hinges and struts keep both lids firmly aloft.
The underside of the car appears to be in good shape. The inner and outer sills on both sides were replaced and the work appears to have been nicely done. All major chassis components appear very robust and the underside of the car well sealed. The fuel tank is free of scrapes or dents and the rear section of the exhaust looks fairly new. The deep front spoiler bears no scars and the rear valance is new.
The refurbished molded alloys are in excellent condition with fresh tyres all round.
The refurbished molded alloys are in excellent condition with fresh tyres all round.
The Appeal
These sharp-lined corporate cruisers of the Seventies are starting to garner a quietly cool vibe all their own amongst the youngtimer community. Nice examples such as this car are becoming quite sought after.
On a more practical level, with BMW’s forward thinking, the E23 Seven Series remains a practical and easy car to use in the modern world. You don’t really feel you have to make any concessions to its age to enjoy a day out in the car. And being a four-door, you can easily do that with friends or family too.
On a more practical level, with BMW’s forward thinking, the E23 Seven Series remains a practical and easy car to use in the modern world. You don’t really feel you have to make any concessions to its age to enjoy a day out in the car. And being a four-door, you can easily do that with friends or family too.
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.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make BMW
- Model 7 Series
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 99,545 Miles
- Engine size 2984
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Hull
- Location Yorkshire
- Country United Kingdom
28
bids
- du•••• £12,900 28/01/22
- kn•••• £9,600 16/01/22
- Ne•••• £9,400 16/01/22
- kn•••• £9,300 16/01/22
- TM•••• £9,100 16/01/22
- kn•••• £9,000 16/01/22
- mi•••• £8,800 16/01/22
- TM•••• £8,600 16/01/22
- kn•••• £8,500 16/01/22
- Ne•••• £8,000 16/01/22
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