73 Baur

[Merdad]

Hi,

I just purchased a 1973 Baur VIN # 2796155. As I understand this car was one of last ones built between Jan-Jul of 73. Now the question; Is this car suppose to have late model taillights and front grills or early style? The car now is of late model style, but not sure if they were replaced in the past?

I am in process of restoring it, and like to do it right. Thanks in advance for all your help and input. I’ll post some pictures later.

Merdad

[Delia]

My books indicate it's a model 71 - a roundie. Your production date window is correct.

The model 71 (roundie) targas ended with VIN 2796200.

Model 73 (squarie) targas begin with VIN 3590001.

The vinyl-covered "B" pillars are correct.

With such a late (model 71) build date, I wouldn't hazard a guess about round or square until I did some judicious "sleuthing." Look to see if the rear panel welds are "factory."

My $.02

Looks like a great find!

Delia

[2002Targa]

Could be a little bit of both, maybe since it was a late part of the run they just started using the rear panels and plastic grills early. My 73 has both the squares and plastigrills 3595008.

Congrats,

it's nice haveing an 02 that the windows roll down all the way....

TK

[Delia]

Also,

...according to my sources...

There was as much as a four month wait for the standard 2002 body shells to be converted by Baur to accept the targa roof.

...that means...

A late "model 71" (round tail) body may have had "model 73" (square tail) lights fitted to the rear panel during the conversion. By then, such parts may have been the ones available from BMW for assembly.

When a small manufacturer like BMW works with a smaller conversion company like Baur, a production date that is "on the cusp" of model change will likely have variances due to parts availability.

Check with Mobile Tradition or BMW specialty groups (Carl Nelson?) to see if there exists another late-VIN model 71 targa built to model 73 specs.

Cheers!

Delia

[oz_tom]

behind it. Good luck with your restoration and keep us posted :-D

Tom

[MichaelP]

Mehrdad! Good hear from you! Amazing what you find over there.

What he's not saying is he's found this in Iran. When are you headed back to the States?

[Merdad]

Thank you all for your input. I'll try to contact MT, but I think I am leaning towards a late model style, even though I like the early. I'll also check the welds this coming week since the car is now stripped to bare metal.

Michael, I'll be back in April or July depending on what the situation is at the time, but things are getting more and more exciting here and don't want to miss the atmosphere here!!

I'll keep you all posted on the progress of the Baur.

Merdad