In 1966, after two years of the introduction of the “New Class Sedan” in the BMW lineup, a more affordable version was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show: the 1600-2 coupe.

BMW introduced the 4-door 1500 sedan at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show. This brand new model featured a quite innovative design and, added with its excellent suspension and powerplant ratings, became the German manufacturer's best-sold model at the time (also saving the company from bankruptcy). The 1500 brought BMW worldwide recognition and was sold with 9500 marks, around 4.800 EUR, but definitely had a greater value in the ‘60s.