1962 BMW 1.5L 4MT (80 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW introduced the 4-door 1500 sedan at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show. This brand new model featured a quite innovative design and, added with its excellent suspension and powerplant ratings, became the German manufacturer’s best-sold model at the time (also saving the company from bankruptcy). The 1500 brought BMW worldwide recognition and was sold with 9500 marks, around 4.800 EUR, but definitely had a greater value in the ‘60s.

The German producer felt the need to design a medium sized car, however, money was not enough at that time, until the 1959 when they started to design the 1500 model.The BMW 1500 later served as a base model for the more powerful 1800ti and 1600ti models, together with their derivative versions. Its C-pillar featured an innovative ‘Hofmeister kink’ design, meaning a low-forward bend separating the rear window from the rear glass. Its 4-cylinder 1.5-liter unit was able to deliver around 80 hp and was later redeveloped for the 1800 and 1600 models.

The BMW 1500 could go up to 150 km/h and delivered excellent performances compared to its competitors. The car rocketed to 100 km/h in 12.6 seconds. The interior was designed in such a way to provide both functionality and a clean, sophisticated look.

The BMW 1500 was appraised for its all-round visibility, sportiness and luggage space, although the first models were developing some issues like the separation of the semi-trailing arm mounts from the body and rear axle failures. All in all, the car offered both comfort and reliability.

In 1972, the 1500 was discontinued and BMW unveiled the 5 series.