1931 BMW 3/15 Ihle Sports, Coachwork by Gebrüder Ihle Karrosseriebau GmbH Registration no. BF 7438 Chassis no. 24886
Odometer reading: tbc
MOT: Exempt
*Rare coachbuilt BMW light car
*Left-hand drive
*Excellent condition
Ihle Karosseriebau of Bruchsal, Germany was a coachbuilder active from circa 1928 to 1939, specialising in two-seater sports bodies for the BMW 3/15 and DKW's smaller models. Ford, Hansa, and Opel chassis were catered for also. This example of Ihle's special coachwork is on a BMW Dixi chassis. The acquisition of the Dixi works at Eisenach in 1928 had provided BMW, hitherto a manufacturer of aero engines and motorcycles, with a foothold in motor manufacturing. Dixi had recommenced civilian production post-1918 with a range of revived pre-war models and then in 1927 the firm obtained a licence to manufacture the Austin Seven, which was marketed as the Typ DA1 or 3/15. Dixi would not stay independent for very much longer however, being acquired by BMW in October 1928 for around 1 million marks. Dixi's built-under-license version of the Austin Seven was gradually developed and improved, ending up with swing-axle suspension and overhead valves, before the arrival of the first true BMW in 1933.
The current vendor saw this Ihle-bodied BMW in Japan while looking at another car and immediately fell in love with it. He personally imported the car and has owned it ever since. Finished in blue with tan leather interior, this rare coachbuilt BMW light car is described by the vendor as in generally excellent condition and offered with a V5C document.
£10,000 – 15,000
Vendor Score Total: 84 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 24 /25
Body Work: 5
Paint: 5
Glass: 5
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 5
Wheels/Tyres: 4
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 20 /20
Seats: 5
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 5
Headlining: 5
Trim: 5
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 15 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4
Car History File: 1
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Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
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Odometer reading: tbc
MOT: Exempt
*Rare coachbuilt BMW light car
*Left-hand drive
*Excellent condition
Ihle Karosseriebau of Bruchsal, Germany was a coachbuilder active from circa 1928 to 1939, specialising in two-seater sports bodies for the BMW 3/15 and DKW's smaller models. Ford, Hansa, and Opel chassis were catered for also. This example of Ihle's special coachwork is on a BMW Dixi chassis. The acquisition of the Dixi works at Eisenach in 1928 had provided BMW, hitherto a manufacturer of aero engines and motorcycles, with a foothold in motor manufacturing. Dixi had recommenced civilian production post-1918 with a range of revived pre-war models and then in 1927 the firm obtained a licence to manufacture the Austin Seven, which was marketed as the Typ DA1 or 3/15. Dixi would not stay independent for very much longer however, being acquired by BMW in October 1928 for around 1 million marks. Dixi's built-under-license version of the Austin Seven was gradually developed and improved, ending up with swing-axle suspension and overhead valves, before the arrival of the first true BMW in 1933.
The current vendor saw this Ihle-bodied BMW in Japan while looking at another car and immediately fell in love with it. He personally imported the car and has owned it ever since. Finished in blue with tan leather interior, this rare coachbuilt BMW light car is described by the vendor as in generally excellent condition and offered with a V5C document.
£10,000 – 15,000
Vendor Score Total: 84 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 24 /25
Body Work: 5
Paint: 5
Glass: 5
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 5
Wheels/Tyres: 4
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 20 /20
Seats: 5
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 5
Headlining: 5
Trim: 5
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 15 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4
Car History File: 1
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
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