The one and only BMW 1600 GT has been restored

BMW’s definition of the word ‘apprentice’ appears different to Lord Sugar’s. Rather than run around London trying to sell weird smoothies at huge mark-ups, the German carmaker tasked its apprentices with saving a one-of-a-kind classic.

Those in training at the company’s plant in Dingolfing have, for the past few years, been working to restore a 1967 BMW 1600 GT convertible which has now been inducted into the factory collection.

The 1600 GT originally came about after BMW acquired another German sports car manufacturer, called Glas (don’t say you aren’t familiar). After the takeover, the Bavarians set about combining the 104bhp mechanicals from their own 1600 Ti with a beautifully styled body built by Italian designer Pietro Frua.

The intention was to create a roadster that could be exported for sale in the US, but BMW built just two cars for testing. Unfortunately, one of the pair was crashed and subsequently scrapped during development, and so only this example remains after the plans for production were halted towards the end of 1967.

With original parts used where possible – and other components completely remanufactured – it’s no surprise that this apprenticeship project was measured in years rather than months. With the recent popularity for modernising classics though, it is comforting to see such a stunning car restored to its original splendour. And it certainly beats seeing some egos in suits waste an hour of your time annoying ads agencies…