1983 BMW 635CSi 'JPS Prepared' Coupe

Description

Having been in production for the better part of a decade, BMW's superb E9 six-cylinder sports coupes were showing their age by the mid-1970s and, in the face of the looming energy crisis, Munich's engineers developed an altogether more sophisticated replacement. Using the 6 Series badge for the first time and styled by the talented Paul Bracq, the new model - codenamed E24 - was unveiled to the public in 1976, the discreet, elegant lines reflecting a further move towards the luxury market occupied by key rival Mercedes-Benz. The bodyshells were completed to a high standard by Karmann of Osnabrück, also responsible for assembling the 6 Series in their first year of production. Under the skin the 6 Series employed the latest technology to build a more efficient car, with a host of hi-tech features such as the Active Check Control monitoring system, on-board computer and speed-sensitive power steering. Initially launched in 1976 in either carburetted 630CS form, or with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection as the 633CSi, the definitive 635CSi announced two years later, with an appreciable boost to the power output thanks to the enlarged 3.5-litre engine. The 635CSi boasted a discreet front air dam, bootlid spoiler and was available with a five-speed manual gearbox for the first time, although most BMW customers opted for the refined ZF automatic transmission. Inside the beautifully appointed cabin, the 635CSi could accommodate four adults in genuine comfort while the cockpit-style dashboard layout and instrument panel set the standard for generations of future BMWs. A new feature was the Check Control System, monitoring light bulbs, fluid levels and brake pads - commonplace on today's luxury cars but a real innovation at the time. The 6-series, engineered to cruise the autobahns of Germany at high speeds in comfort and safety, also enjoyed a long and successful competition career, competing in Group A events across Europe and in both Groups C and A here in Australia, where the likes of Jim Richards steered the sinister looking 'John Player Special' liveried BMWs to several fine results. Refined, fast and discreetly luxurious, the 6-series has aged well and remains an extremely rewarding driving experience today.