1983 BMW 316 Baur Convertible, Mick Jones

Michael became the third owner of this BMW 316 Baur Convertible when he purchased it very recently. He’s has previously been a Lancaster Insurance Pride Of Ownership finalist with his beloved 1960 Jaguar MkII, a car he’s cherished for nearly 30 years. Owning an 80’s Beamer is a complete change of direction for him.

The previous owner David Ward purchased the car in 2011, by then it was totally scrap due to excessive rust. Dave was a BMW bodyshop expert, and he had known the car from new, as his partner’s mum and dad lived next door to its first keeper in Wales. 

When Dave retired, he decided he needed a project and restoring the dilapidated car was definitely that, so he bought it.  He completely restored the body, and the engine, having covered over 220,000 miles, also had a rebuild.  The project has been ongoing up to the present day.

Unfortunately Dave became ill earlier this year and knowing the prognosis was not good, he reluctantly asked his good friend and neighbour Jim to sell the BMW. Sadly when Michael went to view the car Dave had passed away just one day previously.  So they never got to meet. 

Michael says: “I wanted to honour Dave’s memory and the fantastic work he has done on this vehicle. Any accolades go to Dave and not me. However I do intend to do more work on it and hopefully take it to another level for myself, Dave’s partner, and his two sons.”