Founded in Germany in 1971, the Hartge tuning company became an approved auto manufacturer in 1985 and offered high-end performance conversions of BMW vehicles. The Hartge H26 is based on the BMW E30 323i and features an upgraded engine producing 190 HP along with a special exterior bodykit, trim package, and 3-piece wheels. Finished in Macao Blue Metallic over a Beige leather interior, this 1985 example was built by Hartge in Germany when new and had been registered in California as early as 1991. Having been under the care of its current owner for the last two years, this incredibly rare Hartge H26 benefits from a recent engine rebuild and is now being offered for auction out of Massachusetts.
The H26 features Hartge badging and side stripes as well as a bodykit including a revised front air dam, side skirts, rear valence, and a trunk lid spoiler. This E30 is finished in Macao Blue Metallic and rides on 3-piece 16” OZ Hartge wheels dressed in Michelin all-season tires from 2017. Some cosmetic imperfections are depicted in the gallery along with a damage-free CARFAX report.
The Beige interior features a suite of Hartge gauges ahead of a Hartge-branded MOMO steering wheel as well as a Hartge shift knob and aftermarket blue-trimmed seatbelts. The sound system includes a Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB head unit paired with Hertz CX 165 6.5” 2-way coaxial speakers and an Audison 4-channel amplifier. The seller notes some lights need to be replaced near the HVAC controls and describes the cabin to be in good condition with a set of newly installed floor mats.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter M20B25 inline-six engine which was rebuilt and upgraded by Hartge featuring a more aggressive camshaft, crankshaft, and intake manifold as well as revised ECU programming and branded valve covers. The rear wheels are driven through a 5-speed manual gearbox. This H26 has been fitted with an upgraded Supersprint exhaust system paired with a Hartge muffler and features Bilstein suspension components as well as a rear strut tower brace for improved handling. The seller states a full engine rebuild was completed including a new radiator, coolant hoses, and fuel lines, and the mileage shown on the odometer reflects the distance traveled since the rebuild.
This sale will include some documentation and a branded Massachusetts title (mileage discrepancy).
The seller would like you to know: “Thank you for visiting my auction. I have owned this vehicle for 2 years and it is in excellent running order. Many parts are new and/or have been replaced and it is in excellent condition for its vintage and type. It was very recently inspected and drives beautifully.”
Comments (44)
Sold for $26,750
Lost internet, if the sale doesn't go through please reach out. Love the car, best wishes to new owner!
Bid in the amount of $26,750
Bid in the amount of $26,323
Bid in the amount of $25,750
Bid in the amount of $25,323
Bid in the amount of $24,723
Bid in the amount of $24,323
Bid in the amount of $23,000
Bid in the amount of $22,323
@SVOMustang Just to create space. Don't particularly want to sell but happy for it to go to a good owner!!
Bid in the amount of $21,000
Nice high jump bid- sounds legit
She's a beauty, a great candidate for spirited drives. So why the sale after 24 months of ownership?
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Bid in the amount of $16,250
Bid in the amount of $16,000
@GrpNorCalBMWguy @Grp5CSLxPTGgts Good morning. 5 speed close ratio. Thanks!
Love that color!
Is the 5 sp close ratio or overdrive?
Bid in the amount of $15,100
can you please post the comments about rust repairs and donor vehicle
Bid in the amount of $9,500
@batimes Please see my comments above. I already replied to you a couple of days ago but it seems my comments weren't saved. Not sure why?!
@Moby242 Hi again. Sorry I had already replied to @batimes on these inquiries however it seems that my comment wasn't saved. Apologies. I can't comment on any of that work as it was all done before my ownership. Please feel free to contact the shop directly. I did before I purchased the car and they had nothing but good things to say. With regards the badge the car has an M20 so it is officially a H26 however at some stage the badge was lost and needed to be replaced and considering they are very hard to find and during the rebuild the engine was actually enlarged to close to 3 litres ( running approx 220 - 230hp ) and an H28 badge was available they thought it was appropriate.
@Moby242 Hi. You can see my comments on both of these items below. Thanks!
Can you comment on the rust repair and badge
That is the work order INV00043 from the CATuned workshop on 2016
Can you please comment on the restoration work orders talking on rust repairs of the floor board and having a donor car, for some of the repairs
Bid in the amount of $8,800
Bid in the amount of $8,323
This a beautiful car, I had a distance cousin of this, a 1987 325is, one question: the tittle of the auction says "HARTGE H26", but the rear batch on the trunk lis says H28, which is rigth?
Bid in the amount of $7,800
Wow what a butiful car
@golftrip Hi and sorry for the delay in replying. The car has usual signs of cosmetic wear, however considering its age these are VERY minimal. Yes those are some light scratches in picture 32 that I took for transparency and reference however to be honest, in reality you can barely see them. They show up worse in that photo.
Bid in the amount of $7,250
Bid in the amount of $7,000
Bid in the amount of $6,250
Bid in the amount of $5,500
Does it had a lot rust before conversion/restore? Are they scratches in photo #32?
@Firewood Thanks for the interest. With regards to the color, I think it is just the lighting. I was always told it was Macao Blue so I didn't really question. It is more blue in shade but more purple only in direct light. The walk around video should give you a better idea of variances. The AC blows very cold. I had it re-gassed recently. The engine rebuild was done by a shop in California before I purchased the car. All detailed in the receipt images. If I had unlimited funds there honestly isn't much I would do. If you wanted to, the wheels could be professionally cleaned but I actually like the patina. Supersprint also do a non-resonated center section for the exhaust that I was considering trying only for a little extra growl. Lastly I have a role of genuine automotive Alcantara that I was going to try and re-wrap the steering wheel in but didn't get around to it. The buyer is welcome to have it! Lastly, if you wanted to come and see the car in person, that could be arranged. Thanks!
Bid in the amount of $3,500
Great car! Must be a blast to drive too. A few questions... the Macao Blue BMWs that I've seen are much more blue. Yours appears more purple. Is it just the lighting? When was the engine rebuild done? Does the AC blow strong & cold? In last few years was the car ever offered on another site? I'm not far away, can the car be seen in person? If you had unlimited funds what would be the next things you'd do or have done to make the car more perfect? Thanks and best wishes for a good sale!
Beautiful car! Has there been any modifications done to the car, or is everything factory?
Thanks for taking the time to look over my beautiful car. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to message here directly and I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks!