1982 BMW 323i Baur

1982 BMW 323i Baur
Memorial Day 2010 First Drive 1982 323i BMW Baur Lapisblau M20 5 speed #4154 of 4595 made. The car was imported to California by Dietel Enterprises. I have since changed the wheels, installed the clear turn signal lenses, and I am in the process of installing a new cabriolet roof. I have to do something about those bumpers, too. :) I love this car! To see one of the reasons why, check my post "Score One For the Good Guys" on 6/26/2011.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Baurquest III: Lawrence Charlemagne's Beautiful Baur in NY



Lawrence Charlemagne arriving at the appointed meeting place, off of I-84, near 
Wappinger's Falls, New York. Wednesday afternoon, August 10, 2011.  Happy Birthday, Lawrence!
Two Baurs cruising Wappinger's Falls enroute to Lawrence's house.


Two Baurs: Lawrence Charlemagne (foreground), Baurspotting Baur (background). 
Lawrence's car is a 1979 323i, now with an E30 M20 in it.  Gorgeous, power windows (installed by Lawrence), and much more, including those beautiful wheels!

Here is his Baur Number Plate:



Baur # 0872

  
UPDATE:   Lawrence has done a beautiful job on this car, which he has owned for about 20 years, or so.  Although I tend to be a purist when it comes to restorations, this car is just stunning to behold.  Lawrence has a shop and has done all of his own work, I believe.  He has given this car a number of updates over the years:  E30 M20 engine, bigger radiator, power steering, electric windows, new top and new paint.  As with all of his cars (you may have seen pics of his gorgeous 2002, which I will be posting some pics of here soon), the entire car is absolutely spotless.  As I said once before, and I reaffirm now, after seeing his cars 'up close and personal",  I have eaten off restaurant tables that were nowhere near as clean as his engine compartments!!  Amazing. 

My son, Brian, and I were Lawrence's guests at his home for about an hour that day on our way back to Connecticut, checking out his Baur, his '02, and the E30 convertible that he has just finished.  We could not have asked for a more gracious and welcoming host, and it was his Birthday!   It was a most refreshing break in our long (350 miles) drive home, and for this we remain in his debt.  Kudos and Happy Birthday again, Lawrence!

Traveling under a hot summer sun can be brutal in a convertible. The Baur has a perfect solution: hard top on, cabriolet open! Great windblown cruising in the shade!

Brian and I discovered this feature after several days baking in the hot, humid Washington, DC weather: 100 degree temperatures, humidity nearly matching that!  However, with the hardtop on and the rear cabriolet open, the 350 mile trip home was..... a BREEZE!!!  Lawrence mentioned that he too usually chooses ths option when driving the Baur in the summer.

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