1965 BMW 1800 Ti/SA Competition Saloon
Chassis no. 995176
Engine no. LH0122

BMW 1800 Ti/SA 'homologation specials' were campaigned successfully by the works team in the mid-1960s, most notably by Hubert Hahne and Rauno Aaltonen. The Ti/SA was based on the 1800TI (Turismo Internationale) whose immediate ancestor had been the 1500 saloon. Introduced in 1961, the 1500 was powered by a four-cylinder, overhead-camshaft engine with cast iron block and alloy cylinder head, which would evolve into one of the foremost competition units of its era. In its ultimate, turbo-charged, Formula 1 incarnation this extremely versatile little engine produced up to 1,500bhp in qualifying trim, powering Nelson Picquet's Brabham to the Drivers' World Championship in 1983. Built to meet the then current touring car race regulations, the limited edition 1800Ti/SA (Sonderausführung – special edition) came with a 130bhp engine (20bhp more powerful than that of the stock 1800TI) incorporating a counter-weighted crankshaft, larger valves, 10.5:1 compression ratio, competition camshaft and two twin-choke Weber carburettors. There was also a five-speed gearbox, the latter relatively rare on road cars at the time. The running gear was up-rated appropriately to cope with the increased performance, featuring larger front hubs and bearings, larger brake discs, stiffer anti-roll bars and quicker steering. The interior features Restall-Masterfit seats, central rev counter and special wood-rim steering wheel. Tested by Auto, Motor und Sport magazine in 1964, a BMW 1800 Ti/SA achieved a top speed of 192km/h (119mph) a quite exceptional figure for an under 2-litre saloon. Intended to raise BMW's international sporting profile, the 1800Ti/SA succeeded brilliantly; Hubert Hahne won the German national championship in 1964 and with co-driver Rauno Aaltonen disputed the lead of the Spa 24-Hour race with a Mercedes-Benz 300SE, eventually finishing second. BMW went one better the following year when Pascal Ickx and Gerald Langlois' 1800Ti/SA secured the first of the Munich manufacturer's string of victories in this prestigious event. The roll call of Ti/SA drivers also includes Dieter Glemser, Josef Schnitzer (Schnitzer Motorsport), Willy Mairesse, Jacky Ickx, Dieter Quester, Freddy Kottulinsky, Gijs van Lennep, Helmut Kelleners, Clemens Schickentanz and Wim Loos, among others. Only 200 genuine factory-built Ti/SAs were made, most of which are either in private ownership or German museums, so the appearance of one on the open market is an event of considerable importance. Sold new in June 1965, the example offered here has been raced regularly throughout Europe since then. The car was purchased by the current vendor in Sweden in November 2005 and are advised that it has been restored, boasting a recent good-quality re-spray by Chipping Norton Body Shop. A full-race unit built by marque specialist Lester Owen, the engine has been rebuilt within the last few months, as has the five-speed close-ratio gearbox and limited-slip differential. This BMW Ti/SA has raced at the Goodwood Revival meeting driven by former British Touring Car Champion, David Leslie and thus is eligible to be re-invited. Described by the vendor as in generally good condition, the car comes with its original passenger seats, sundry restoration invoices and FIA/MSA papers.