BMW 1600 GT

Vehicle Overview

The BMW 1600 GT is a fascinating blend of Italian design and German engineering, crafted with a distinctive “Italian” style by Pietro Frua, giving it a unique character reminiscent of a small Ferrari but with a German heart. This vehicle is celebrated not only for its sleek design but also for its performance, powered by a 1600 cc engine that produces 105 horsepower, all within a lightweight frame of just 960 kilograms. German automotive magazines of the time lauded the BMW 1600 GT as a fast and enjoyable car to drive, combining sporty dynamics with a refined driving experience. Of the 1,200 units originally produced, only around a hundred BMW 1600 GTs are known to have survived. This rarity has made restoration projects particularly challenging, with some components proving almost impossible to find. For instance, the original BMW front grille and the distinctive “Pietro Frua” logo with a red background, which adorned the sides of the car, are no longer available. These elements, manufactured specifically for this model, had to be meticulously recreated to ensure authenticity during restoration. The process of restoring a BMW 1600 GT involves not only technical skill but also a dedication to preserving the car’s unique details and historical value. The effort to reconstruct missing parts underscores the vehicle’s significance and the high level of craftsmanship involved in its original design. As a result, the BMW 1600 GT remains a coveted classic, cherished for its blend of design elegance and engineering excellence.