The BMW 1800 TI belongs to the New Class of the 1960s. This generation, built from 1961 to 1972, marked a turning point for BMW, as it brought the company back to success. The BMW 1800 TI was positioned between the BMW 1500 and the BMW 2000. Developed under the supervision of engineer Alex von Falkenhausen and designer Wilhelm Hofmeister, this car brought technical improvements and performance upgrades to the road. The BMW 1500 served as the predecessor, introducing the new design and platform that were later adopted and further developed for the BMW 1800 TI.
The BMW 1800 TI is known for its 1.8-liter M10 engine, which develops approximately 110 hp. This power allowed a top speed of over 170 km/h (105 mph) and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in about 11 seconds. Technical features like the improved suspension and precise steering made the BMW 1800 TI one of the sportiest and most reliable cars of its time. Furthermore, front disc brakes and rear drum brakes were standard, providing a significant improvement in braking performance.
The BMW 1800 TI was also used in motorsport and achieved remarkable success. Notably, it won the 1965 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps race. Drivers like Hubert Hahne and Dieter Quester contributed to establishing the BMW 1800 TI as a serious competitor in motorsport. These successes not only helped strengthen BMW's sporting image but also confirmed the performance and reliability of the BMW 1800 TI on the racetrack.
The design of the BMW 1800 TI was simple and functional yet elegant. The model featured in the photos from the collection of "neophyte1410" on Modelly showcases the typical livery of the Spa-Francorchamps 1965 winning car. The silver base color with yellow accents on the front fenders and hood stands out. This color scheme emphasizes the classic lines and aerodynamic shape of the car. Numerous sponsor logos, including prominent stickers from Castrol and Bosch, adorn the bodywork, adding realism to the model.
The 1/18 scale model from Paul's Modell Art / Minichamps excels in detail accuracy. Every aspect of the original, from the iconic BMW kidney grille to the carefully replicated headlights, has been faithfully reproduced. The interior reflects the simplicity and functionality of the vehicle, featuring realistically modeled instruments and seats. This model is not just visually appealing but also a must-have for any collector and enthusiast of historical BMW vehicles. The modeling of the wheels, tires, and the typical BMW lettering on the rear are further notable details of this model.