Launched in 1965, the larger-engined BMW 2000 was heralded by Autocar as ‘the best BMW yet’.

Produced for 10 years from 1962, the New Class (Neue Klasse) models are credited with saving BMW after the company's financial crisis of the 1950s, and establishing the identity BMW as a maker of sporting saloon cars.

The first New Class vehicle was the 1500, a 4-door compact executive car with BMW’s new overhead cam 4-cylinder engine.

In 1965, the 2000 C and 2000 CS luxury coupés were added to the range.

The new E9 coupes replaced the 2000C and CS coupes in 1969, whilst the four door variants were phased out due to the introduction of the E12 5-Series in 1972.

This rare right-hand-drive example, one of around 40 remaining on UK roads, was first purchased at a Liverpool-based BMW agent in March 1968 for £1,900.

After the first owner sadly fell ill, the BMW was garaged for years before being acquired and restored by the second owner, passing into long term family ownership, and then being ...