BMW 635CSi Highline Automatic

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BMW added a new coupe model to its range in 1976, the 6-Series E24. Long, low and rakish with distinctive ‘shark nose’ frontal styling and an elegant thin-pillared cabin, it was a natural rival to the Porsche 928 and the Jaguar XJS.

The chassis platform was shared with the outstanding E12 5-Series, widely considered to be the best handling saloon in the world at the time. A range of straight-six engines were available from a 180bhp 2.8 to a fabulously smooth and potent fuel-injected 215bhp 3.5-litre which gave the car a top speed of 140mph.

All were beautifully built in the finest BMW tradition with superb performance and handling characteristics and luxuriously trimmed interiors. One of the most desirable cars of the 80s, the 635CSi remained in production until 1989 but its high price tag meant that only 86,216 were sold in total (the vast majority in left-hand drive), and it is interesting to note that the DVLA records only 342 examples still road-registered in the UK today with another 768 on SORN.

This particular car is a desirable post-82 facelift model with improved E28 5-Series chassis dynamics and the more powerful and fuel-efficient 220bhp M30 engine mated to a four- rather than three-speed ZF auto box. It also benefits from the top spec Highline trim package (an option from mid-1987) with hand-stitched Nappa leather on most interior surfaces.

Finished it Zinnober Red with a full grey leather interior, options include an electric steel sunroof, multi-way adjustable electric sports front seats with memory function and in-built heating (great for those winter mornings!), rear headrests, air conditioning, M-Sports steering wheel and front headlamp wash/wipe system. First registered in August 1989 (the last year of production), it has had just five owners from new, the current since 2015.

Although there is precious little history with the car, it has clearly been well-looked-after with no obvious signs of corrosion and a very tidy interior – you would never guess that it has covered 232,500 miles, a testament to the fine build quality of this model.

Shortly after he acquired the car, the vendor treated it to new springs and shock absorbers all round (slightly lowered and stiffened for more precise handling) and a new set of wheels (the original cross-spoke split-rim wheels are also included if desired although these will need to be collected from the Hereford area). He also fitted a battery cut-off switch and gave it a thorough service which included adjusting the valve timing and having the fuel injectors ultrasonically cleaned.

Driving beautifully when we took it for a quick blast on the occasion of our visit, with a notably smooth and quiet engine and impressive handling, it comes with an MOT until June 2019 with no advisories recorded.

These fine sporting coupes have risen sharply in value of late and this most usable example has to be among the cheapest available at the modest guide price suggested.

Please note that the hand controls shown in the photos will be removed prior to the sale.