1988 BMW 635CSi 'Shadowline' Coupe

Description

BMW's big, brawny 6-series was one of the finest GT cars of the 1970s and 1980s, combining elegant styling (the work of the talented designer Paul Bracq) with a well-appointed and beautifully finished cabin and the sort of engineering excellence BMW's reputation was founded on. Powered by a range of silky smooth in-line sixes, the E24 range was launched in 1976 as the 630 CS or fuel-injected 633 CSi, the line-up enhanced with the introduction of the more powerful 635 CSi in June 1978. For this model the straight six was enlarged to 3.5-litres, developed a healthy 220bhp and was usually found mated to a ZF automatic transmission. Disc brakes all round and beautifully weighted power steering were complemented by an ergonomically sound cockpit loaded with new technology, including a Check Control System monitoring brake pads, lights and fluid levels plus a trip computer. Externally, the 635 CSi was distinguished by a front air-dam and bootlid spoiler to improve downforce. The 6-Series may have been a more refined and relaxed GT car than the CS is replaced, but it was still developed into a very effective track car, winning the 1983 European Touring Car Championship and acquitting itself well in Australia during the Group A era, with drivers like Jim Richards hustling the black and gold coupes around Bathurst to good effect. Although the 635 CSi proved a great success for BMW around the world, with more than 45,000 built between 1978 and 1989, relatively few made it to Australia thanks to exorbitant import duties and today surviving examples, particularly in good order, rarely come on the market.