V12-engined flagship version of BMW’s superlative E38 executive saloon
Attractive Calypso Red metallic paintwork with beige leather interior
Peak mid 90s executive specification including BMW car phone, centre console screen, electric seats front and rear and sunroof
Off the road since 2016 but in remarkably solid condition with no visible rust
Venerated M73 V12 BMW engine
Will need recommissioning and currently a non-runner requiring a battery, or a very good source of spares
Same owner for the last 20 years
MOT history indicates low mileage
Private registration included in sale
The Appeal
Into the hotly contested executive car market of the mid-1990s, BMW dropped the E38 7-Series. The third iteration of the firm’s biggest saloon represented a car company at the peak of its powers, combining cosseting luxury with a surprisingly nimble driving package. It is no surprise that the E38 remains one of the most revered BMWs of the last 30 years.
Top of the 7-Series tree was the V12 5.4litre 750i, a model of course made famous by Bond, James Bond, in Tomorrow Never Dies. Just 8,000 750s left the BMW factory during the model’s six year production run.
This 1995 750i has been off the road for most of the last 15 years, most recently being MOT’d in 2016, and hence has covered few miles in the hands of its long term owner. Despite the lay up it is in surprisingly solid condition, with no obvious signs of corrosion and the interior is complete and has held up well. It is a non-runner thanks to bad battery. For the enthusiast it looks like an interesting project with a rare V12-engined super saloon to enjoy at the end of it. 1995 BMW 750i 3.JPG7.94 MB
The History And Paperwork
First registered 1th August 1995
One of the first 750s built when the model was launched in 1995
VIN indicates that it was built in June 1995 at BMW’s Dingolfing plant
Owned by the Seller for over 20 years
Seller states that there is some service history but the paperwork has got damp
Last MOT in 2015 showed 69,634 miles, expired on 27th April 2016
MOT history indicates that the car was off the road from 2008 to 2015 and then from 2016
Beige leather interior in complete and generally very good, aged condition
A good valet would likely significantly improve the appearance
Electric seats front and rear, heated in the front, all in good condition
BMW in-car phone system fitted, still with BMW handset
Early in-dash screen for phone and audio
CD multichanger in the boot
Dark wood veneers in good condition
This 7-Series represented peak BMW when it was new in 1995. Built at the very start of the technological revolution it certainly reflects that trend with its in-car phone system and early dashboard screen. For 1990s motorists, this was space age stuff.
Despite being off the road for most of the last 15 years, the sumptuous interior of this top of the range BMW has held up remarkably well. The deterioration is mainly due to damp. The headlining sags behind the sunroof trim and is covered in mildew, which also affects the front carpets. They look saveable, a good cleaning regime or the services of a professional valet likely working wonders.
The only obvious deterioration to the trim is on the centre console where the gear selector surround has lifted from the veneer. One of the chrome ashtrays has been removed and shows signs of pitting.
The high quality beige leather is in good condition – almost exceptional in the back – with just the driver’s seat showing discolouration and creasing typical of the age and mileage of this car. There is a lovely coffee-coloured leather top dashboard which is in very good condition, as are the dark wood veneers throughout. All of the high quality door trims, also leather topped, are in good condition.
The battery on the car is flat so it was not possible to test the vast array of electrical goodies drizzled around this car. They include electric seats all rounds – the front ones are also heated – and of course that ultimate yuppie accessory, an in-car BMW phone system complete with the original handset. There is also an in-dash screen for the audio and phone system, a precursor of modern motoring 30 years ahead of its time.
The boot carpet is in good, apparently dry condition and is home to the CD multichanger system.1995 BMW 750i 219.JPG3.28 MB
The Exterior
Attractive paintwork that appears to be Calypso Red metallic
16inch factory BMW alloy wheels
Appears to be structurally solid, albeit home to a few spiders
Back in the 1990s BMW favoured a sober-suited approach to styling, one that eschewed frills in favour of a handsome, classic profile. The E38 BMW is one of the best demonstrations of that approach, a simple, smooth design that is still unmistakeably BMW.
This 1995 750i appears to wear attractive Calypso Red metallic paintwork, a lovely deep claret shade that suits the subdued styling. The paintwork appears original throughout and has held up well. There is a light coating of algae on some panels and the roof, bonnet and boot show signs of fading likely caused by a car cover or general prolonged exposure to the weather. The worst area is on the roof around the sunroof. This could perhaps be recovered by a professional valet.
There are a few light scratches around the car, such as on the offside rear wing and passenger front door, but these do not appear to have gone through the paint.
The bluff front of the car has inevitably succumbed to some stone chips and there are various marks on the rubber bumper strip. The offside headlamp also has a light covering of moisture. There is a scuff on the offside bumper corner.
The rear bumper has a covering of algae and there is a light scuff in the centre and on the offside corner, which extends across the rubber and painted sections.
Elsewhere on the car deterioration appears to be minimal. The offside unpainted sill cover has discoloured beneath the driver’s door and each of the factory 16inch BMW alloys have areas of paint flake. The tyres are aged and would likely need replaced if the car was put back on the road.
The photographs of the underside indicate that the car is solid but with no recent MOT history this may be an area buyers wish to raise with the Seller.
Some service history but paperwork has suffered with damp so is partly unreadable
In an echo of Jaguar’s tactics when it launched the first XJ12 saloon, with the 750 BMW aimed to out-smooth its rivals and conquer America by offering a four cylinder premium of the standard executive saloon V8s. The sophisticated M73 was specially developed for the 7-Series and proved so good that it later powered Rolls Royce models. Just 8,000 750s were built during a six year production run.
This car needs a new battery so we were unable to verify the current mileage and the service history has been water damaged. The Seller, who has owned the car for 20 years, states that there is some service history. After many years off the road the buyer would be wise to allow for a full mechanical check over and certainly a service.1995 BMW 750i 239.JPG3.91 MB
Summary
For 90s BMW enthusiasts the 750 is more than just a Bond car, it represents the pinnacle of the firm’s achievements to date, a super-smooth V12 autobahn stormer for the chairman of the board. Few were built, which makes rare survivors particularly sought after.
This early 750i is a non runner that has been off the road for a while but seems to have survived its hibernation in remarkable condition. The bodywork appears rust free and the high tech interior would likely look remarkable again with a good cleaning regime. There is work to do but given the deep appeal of the V12 E38 the end result feels worth the effort.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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