BMW 3.0 Classic Cars for Sale

The BMW 3.0 model is part of the BMW 'New Six' range of cars, a series of sporting luxury sedans, and part of BMW's efforts to re-establish itself in this market after production of the BMW 503 ended in 1963. The BMW '3.0' was released in 1971 as a dual carburettor version, big bore 3.0S version, and also as a longer wheel-base model, the 3.0L. The BMW 3.0 series production run ended in 1977, after the manufacture of over 34,000 vehicles.

BMW early days

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke, saw its origins in 1916 as an aircraft manufacturer. The end of World War One saw BMW restricted under the Treaty of Versailles, and having to switch its focus from aircraft manufacture, and by 1923 turning to motorcycle manufacture. In 1928 car manufacturing began with the production under license of a version of the Austin 7. German re-armament in the 1930's saw a return to Luftwaffe aircraft manufacturing.

BMW Post World War Two

In the aftermath of World War Two, BMW struggled to survive: by 1958 the automotive division faced liquidation, and entered the economy car market, licensing the production of the Italian Izetta car. This allowed BMW to get back on its feet, and with improved investment as the Quandt group became majority shareholder, the BMW New Class 1500 was introduced in 1961. The successfully saw the company back on a sound financial footing and continuing to grow into the luxury car market.

The BMW 3.0 arrives

BMW's initial venture into the luxury sedan model market took a lengthy hiatus in 1963, until the introduction of the New Six model range in 1968 proved commercially successful. In 1971 the BMW 3.0 models were introduced to the range. A big bore twin carburettor version (BMW 3.0 S) of the large 6 cylinder range, the BMW 3.0 models handled much better than their Mercedes Benz range equivalents. Featuring disc brakes on all wheels, enjoying good visibility due to the narrow door pillars, and being surprisingly quick, with the traditional twin headlights and double kidney grill of the BMW range, the cars were well received. Available also as a long wheel base BMW 3.0 L version or with fuel injection BMW 3.0 Si, contemporary reviewers wrote that the BMW 3.0 was 'the worlds best buy'. Production ran on until 1977 when the BMW 7 series replaced the 'Big Six' range.

BMW logo

The BMW circular logo known as a roundel, and reflects BMW's Bavarian origins, the blue and white chequered pattern being that of the Bavarian flag. The company name appears above this pattern in black letters.