1968 BMW 2000 CS

This BMW 2000 CS presents as a highly original example of the marque’s ‘New Class’ era of design, with a desirable factory specification, and remarkably rare right-hand drive format. Under the bonnet is the 2.0-litre M10 inline-four, fed by twin carburettors and producing around 120hp, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 72,419 km.

The 2000 CS was styled by Wilhelm Hofmeister, and as such is one of the earliest cars to feature the now-famous ‘Hofmeister kink’ around the rear quarter windows. Its coachbuilt bodywork was outsourced to the renowned Karmann Karosserie.

While no examples of the 2000 C or 2000 CS left the factory in right-hand drive, BMW’s UK concessionaires established a miniature retrofit production line in Portslade, which converted these rare GT cars to a more suitable format - not only for the UK, but also for a few other right-hand drive markets. While most parts needed were sourced directly from BMW, the wood dashboard panel was custom-made for the conversions. Its original oblong headlights also had to be swapped for a quad-lamp setup as seen on this particular car. It is believed that only 148 cars were ever converted.

This classic BMW’s bodywork is believed to remain in original condition, with no known prior damage to any panels, and presenting with smooth shut lines and even gaps. There is some visible surface rust under the front bumper, as well as a small bubble on the rear boot lid, but otherwise the 2000 CS still looks very smart for a car now more than 50 years old. It has some cracks in the passenger-side front wing, marks on the top front driver’s side guard, and a small scuff on the driver’s side door. Its 14-inch wheels are chipped and scuffed around the rim edges, but all retain their correct BMW hubcaps.

Inside, the navy blue upholstery for the seats, lower dashboard, and door cards, is believed to be original. There are minor signs of age and use, but no significant damage, and only a small hole where a switch used to be below the steering wheel column. The wood trim below the door caps and across the dashboard presents well, though the gear knob is quite heavily worn. There is also some slight flaking and pitting around the switchgear surrounds, and the carpet in the driver’s side footwell also has some minor discolouration.

The car was last serviced by The Healey Factory in Victoria, and is reported to be in good mechanical condition. All four Austone Athena tyres have plenty of tread left, and are date-coded to 2017.

Accompanying the car is an original jack and tool kit, plus various receipts for mechanical maintenance, parts and servicing, as shown in the photo gallery.

This BMW 2000 CS is a stylish cruiser, and an exceptionally rare find in its converted right-hand drive specification. The flagship CS model was the precursor to BMW favourites such as the 3.0 CSi and even the E30-era 325i, not to mention the more luxurious 6 Series coupe. This BMW would therefore make a great addition to a marque-specific collection in particular, though will ultimately prove a charming driver for a much wider audience of classic car enthusiasts.

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This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.