The BMW New Class (German: Neue Klasse) was a line of sedans and coupes produced by German automaker BMW between 1962 and 1977. These models ensured BMW's solvency after the company's financial crises of the 1950s and established the identity of BMW automobiles as sports sedans. The 02 Series caught auto enthusiasts' attention and established BMW as an international brand.
The 1600-2, as the first "02 Series" BMW was designated, was an entry-level BMW, and was smaller, less expensive, and less well-appointed than the four-door sedan on which it was based. BMW's design director Wilhelm Hofmeister assigned the two-door project to staff designers Georg Bertram and Manfred Rennen. The shorter length and wheelbase and lighter weight of the two-door sedan made it more suitable than the original New Class sedan for sporting applications. As a result, the two door sedan became the basis of the sporting 02 Series.
Beginning in 1968, a convertible based on the 02 body was built by Karosserie Baur. A hatchback, called the Touring model, was developed from the 02 body, being available from 1971 to 1974.
1602
The 1600-2 (the "-2" meaning "2-door") made its debut at the Geneva auto show in March 1966 and was sold through 1975, with the designation being simplified to "1602" in 1971. The 1.6 L M10 engine produced 63 kW (84 hp) at 5,700 rpm and 130 N·m (96 lb·ft) at 3,500 rpm. In 1968, Road & Track declared the US$2676 1600 "a great automobile for the price".
BMW 1600 Cabriolet
A high performance version, the 1600 TI, was introduced in September 1967. With a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and the dual Solex PHH side-draft carburetor system from the 1800 TI, the 1600 TI produced 82 kW (110 hp) at 6,000 rpm. The 1600 TI was not sold in the United States, as it did not meet their emission standards.
Also introduced in September 1967 was a limited-production cabriolet, which would be produced by Baur from 1967 through 1971. A hatchback 1600 Touring model was introduced in 1971 but was discontinued in 1972.
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