Internally codenamed E3, BMW’s “New Six” lineup offered from 1968 till 1977 comprised sedans and coupes however by no means a wagon. Whereas there was an in-house Touring conversion, these automobiles served as service/assist autos for racing groups. Some coachbuilders noticed a chance to fill the hole and determined to construct a wagon model based mostly on the E3.

One such firm was FLM Panelcraft, based mostly in London. It’s believed solely 12 automobiles have been ever made, and one among them is rotting away in a storage in Manchester. The Late Brake Present’s Jonny Smith had the chance to rise up shut and private with the “barn discover” and uncover its attention-grabbing story. It will appear the tailgate was borrowed from an Austin Maxi mixed with a piece of the E3 sedan’s trunk lid. Enjoyable truth – the automobile’s present proprietor changed the tailgate by sourcing the panel from an Austin Maxi donor automobile.

A former mechanic, Harry Taylor, the proprietor of this ultra-rare BMW Touring, has had the automobile for over 40 years, having purchased it in November 1982 for the princely sum of £400. It was in tough form again then, having partially burnt out. The automobile is predicated on a right-hand-drive 2500 mannequin inbuilt 1973 with an inline-six 2.5-liter engine linked to an computerized transmission.

Though partially dismantled, the whole lot lacking is contained in the storage. In idea, the coachbuilt wagon could possibly be totally restored however eradicating all that rust will take some time. Sitting some 35 years in a particularly humid storage has taken its toll on the automobile’s bodywork, though the underbody doesn’t look horrible.

Harry is excited by parting with the obscure automobile, supplied the brand new proprietor is prepared to deliver it again to its former glory and retain the license plate. In its heyday, the E3 Touring was used as a household wagon, which included a lavish journey to the beautiful Saint Tropez in southern France.

Supply: The Late Brake Present / YouTube