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Highlights
- Very rare turbo-charged classic BMW rocketship
- Superb condition reflecting indicated low mileage
- Nice specification with well kept velour interior
- Just two owners from new
- APK to April 2024
- Practical daily driver or classic show star
- This car is sold on dealer consignment
The Appeal
The E23 was BMW’s response to Mercedes-Benz’ all-conquering S-Class. Where the latter was an engineering tour de force, the E23 competed by offering a more dynamic and engaging driving experience. This was an executive car for executives who liked to get up and go.
To deliver on that promise - and compete with the 6.9litre 450SEL - BMW needed a flagship model. That came in the form of the 745i, a turbocharged 3.4litre, 250bhp tarmac-shredder. Why 3.4litre but a 745 badge? BMW judged that adding a turbo was equivalent to 1.4 times a naturally aspirated motor.
Executives clearly responded because 16,168 745is rolled off the production line over six years from 1980. Most of those went to the USA, making any European survivor vanishingly rare.
This is one of them, a beautifully preserved two-owner example in an appealing colour combination - it even has the desirable velour interior. Presented in virtually showroom condition, it is a perhaps unique opportunity to acquire one of the 1980s’ best saloon cars.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in the Netherlands on 4th October 1984
- VIN records show this car was built on 1st August 1984
- Current owner since 12th July 2016
- Current owner has used the car as a hobby classic with very sparing use
- Factory handbook in good condition
- Previous APK records
- Current APK to 8th April 2024
- Facelift model with revised aesthetics and new rear suspension
The Condition
- Handsome E23 profile evinces classic 80s sharknose styling and Hoffmeister Kink
- Very well kept car appears to be in highly original condition with no significant deterioration
- Arctisblau metallic (code 045) with complementary Pacific blue velour (code 0097) interior
- Both inside and out this car supports the indicated low mileage and low owners
- Chromework, glasswork and lights present very well with no noticeable aging
- Factory correct metric ‘star’ alloy wheels in well kept, unmarked condition
- Superb interior betrays few signs of wear and in very original condition
- Facelifted car with revised driver-focussed dashboard layout
- Blue fabric seats front and rear show no visible wear and equipped with headrests
- Carpets and interior fittings well kept with few signs of age or wear
- Contrasting wood veneers to door tops and dashboard and console well kept
- Leather four spoke steering wheel with only a slight hint of sheen
- Complete factory tool kit appears unused
- Phillips period radio cassette system
- We have no reports of any faults with the operation of the interior or exterior equipment
- Clean boot area showing only very light staining to carpet base
- Underside very well kept with no structural issues and clean layer of underseal
- Air conditioning is currently out of use
The 7-Series is one of BMW’s crispest designs, a distinctive profile that looks particularly good in the mid-blue metallic of this 1984 example. It was well specified from the factory with star spoke alloys, electric windows and a lovely velour interior.
The general condition appears very original and betrays few signs of age or wear, supporting the impression that this is a well cared for, low mileage car. We have no reports of any faults, meaning that the buyer is free to drive off and fully indulge in this sumptuously specified classic saloon.
The Mechanics
- 3,430cc M106 straight six BMW engine with turbocharger
- 250bhp through the rear wheels
- Later 4spd automatic ZF gearbox
In the 1980s bolting a turbocharger to a saloon car was all the rage, a trick first popularised by Saab with the groundbreaking 99. It wasn’t new territory for BMW either, the firm having pioneered its use on the 2002 a few years earlier.
The 745i was the first turbocharged executive BMW saloon, taking the spicey ingredients of the firm’s 3.4litre M106 engine. Power was actually hiked only marginally over the naturally aspirated model to 250bhp, but in a relatively light, rear wheel drive car, this delivers a decent turn of speed. Certainly enough to keep up with the contemporary high-end Mercedes-Benz saloons.
Later E23s like this one switched from 3spd automatic ZF boxes to four, giving the cars better high speed cruising ability and economy.
This car has had just two owners from new, the more recent one curating it since 2016 and using it very sparingly for weekend trips and classic car shows. We know little of the maintenance regime but the condition and his enthusiasm would seem to indicate it has been properly looked after.
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
