1965 BMW 1800 Ti/SA

In 1964, BMW introduced an upgraded version of the popular Neue Klasse sedan called the 1800 Ti/SA, with the SA denoting Sonderausstattung (Special Equipment). The new competition-oriented model featured a five-speed gearbox, a stiffer suspension, and a competition-tuned engine. Just 200 examples of the Ti/SA were built, and today, the model is regarded as a predecessor to the celebrated M cars, being the first factory-built high-performance BMW sedan.

Believed to be the 197th example built, chassis 995197 was delivered in June 1965 to Hoffman Motors in New York, as recorded in an accompanying factory heritage certificate. The BMW was reportedly acquired circa 1970 by Tim Wright of Pennsylvania, who parked the car for approximately 20 years. In 1995, Arthur Porter of Colorado Springs, Colorado, acquired the Ti/SA, undertaking a full restoration that included a unique paint livery by automotive artist Dennis Simon, commemorating BMW’s important prewar competition victories. Mr. Porter entered the 1800 in numerous events before selling the car in 2002 to James K. Dobbs III. The car then ran at Road America in 2009, and participated in Brian Redman’s Targa Sixty Six at Palm Beach International Raceway. Significantly, this authentically presented Ti/SA retains many of the special features that were applied to the model, including its seats, “TISA”-badged cylinder head, proper Weber carburetors, and quick-ratio steering box, among others. An alluring opportunity, this car offers marque enthusiasts an important racing BMW ideal for further track use or event display.