BMW 1500 Classic Cars for Sale
A four-door saloon car built by BMW as one of the first of the 'Neue Klasse' (New Class) line of sedan and coupe cars, the BMW 1500 helped BMW to regain its footing in the market place and find a model that appealed to the newly affluent car buyers of the 1960s.
Background to the BMW 1500
During the 1950s BMW built either luxury cars with engines bigger than 2.0l, economy cars built with engines from motorcycles or motorcycles. Social changes meant that consumers were becoming more affluent and whilst they might not be able to afford luxury they still wanted to buy something that reflected their growing prosperity. BMW had nothing to offer and as a result had suffered financial crises, several times recording operating losses.
In 1960 Herbert and Harald Quandt gained a controlling interest in BMW and the genesis of the 'Neue Klasse' project was born. A gap in the market had been spotted for mid-range sedans and coupes with engine capacity of 1.5l-2.0l. The idea was to produce a new car with a new engine - something not done by BMW since 1933- in order to meet this need.
Design of the BMW 1500
The BMW 1500 four-door saloon was unveiled at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show and it immediately caught the attention of the audience. Waiting times to view the car (including the chance to sit inside for one minute) averaged half an hour. From its first showing it packed the punch BMW needed. Weighing in at around 950 Kg, the BMW 1500 offered buyers 75 hp at 5,500 rpm and a top speed of 150 km/h. The BMW 1500's tempting package had a front-mounted four-cylinder M10 engine, a unit body, front disc brakes, and completely independent suspension (with MacPherson struts at the front and semi-trailing arms at the back).
BMW 1500: A Driver's Car
Over 23,000 BMW 1500s were produced between 1962-1964. It offered buyers great value with what was then considered a lively drive for the engine size. However its firm suspension left it with a harsher ride than those used to cars such as the BMW 501 appreciated. These were niggles though: practical and with a clear driving position, the BMW 1500 was a hit.
The Legacy of the BMW 1500
The popularity of the New Class series meant that BMW broke even in 1962 and in 1963 made profits allowing them to pay shareholders dividends for the first time in 20 years. The BMW 1500's ongoing legacy is that it made BMW financially viable again, allowing other classic cars to be built.