Putting the well known BMW quality into a mid-size car, was the recipe for success of the BMW 1500. Take a look back to the 60’s. Introduced in September 1961 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the 1500 was produced from 1962 through 1966. In 1963, the nearly bankrupt BMW was able to pay its first dividend in 20 years due to increased sales thanks to the popularity of the 1500. It was replaced in 1964 by the 1600, but it was still made available in markets where higher capacity engines meant increased taxation. It was able to achieve 80 hp (59 kW). The 1961 1500 was the first car to feature the Hofmeister kink in the C-pillar.