Hightlights

• A rarely seen example of a Baur converted 318i with innovative two stage top
• In a seemingly good overall condition internally and externally
• The car is reported as a non-runner currently so will require recommissioning
  
  

The Appeal

The History and Paperwork

• This little Baur TC2 was manufactured in 1987
• It was supplied new through SMB of Exeter on 1st August 1987
• Since then, the car has been used and enjoyed by four previous owners
• The current owner acquired the car in 2011 but has been in the same family since new
• It appears that the car was last used in 2016
• It is thought to have stood since then and is currently registered as SORN
• Inevitably, perhaps, the car is reported as being a non-runner
• There is a decent amount of paperwork included with this car
• Firstly, there is the current V5 in the name of the owner
• The original book pack is also on hand including the original service book
• This features an amazing 23 service stamps all from SMB of Exeter
• There are also four body inspection stamps also from SMB
• The most recent service stamp appears to be from 1999 at 86,928 miles
  
  

The Interior

• The Baur conversions were applied to the standard Three Series cars of the period
• As such all interior fixtures and fittings are standard E30 fare
• This example features the less common Uberkaro plaid fabric upholstery
• This presents in hues of black and grey 
• Considering the background of the car, the condition is surprisingly good
• There is a small hole noted in the passenger seat bolster
• The rear seats as identically trimmed and in good and pretty clean condition
• Door cards and rear panels are finished in panelled blue vinyl
• The carpets are finished in blue and have been sun bleached in places
• The dashboard is familiar BMW E30, driver-centric fare
• This is finished in black vinyl and appears to be in fine fettle throughout
• The original four spoke BMW steering wheel is fitted
• A later Pioneer CD / radio head unit is fitted
• The black fabric headlining looks to be in a fine, original condition
• Because of the car’s position we were unable to review the boot
  
  

The Exterior

• This little Baur TC2 is presented in Alpine White paintwork which had a bare metal re spray
• This is accented with a mid-blue, double coach line running front to back
• The paintwork looks appropriately thick and in very good shape overall
• The TC2 is fitted with an official BMW M-Technic body kit
• This comprises ribbed side skirts, a boot lip spoiler and a deeper chin spoiler
• All items carry the M-Technic badging
• The car sits on a set of original 14-inch “Euroweave” BBS alloy wheels 
• These are shod with a set of 195/65 tyres
• These will certainly need replacing on age grounds
• The Baur TC2 conversion was achieved by removing the E30’s roof and rear screen
• The rear windows were retained, and a two-piece roof set up was fitted
• This comprises of a Targa style roof panel and a landau style folding hood at the rear
• This afforded a number of variations of roof configuration to suit the conditions
• The roof parts are presented in blue fabric and look original and compete
• The condition of these looks very good with no rips or tears evident
• The Baur TC badges are present on the B pillars of the 318i

The Mechanics

• Our car is based on the 318i version of the E30 and fitted with the 1,766cc M40 engine
• This was originally rated at around 111 bhp and 119 Ib-ft of torque
• Power is fed to the rear wheels via a five-speed Getrag 240 gearbox
• It is clear that the little Baur TC2 has stood unused for at least 7 years
• As such it is reported as a non-runner and will require a mechanical recommissioning i.e. servicing 
• Despite this the under-bonnet condition looks surprisingly good
• The battery looks to be quite a recent fitment
• The alloy portions of the engine look remarkably fresh
• No rust is visible, and the suspension turrets look very solid 
• Not much opportunity to review the underside was afforded
• What can be seen looks to be in decent shape for the age and history of the car
  
  

Summary