Lot number | 90 |
---|---|
Hammer value | £3,100 |
Description | BMW 635CSi Coupe |
Registration | D498 FYP |
Year | 1986 |
Colour | Black |
Engine size | 3,430 cc |
Chassis No. | WBAEC820408187251 |
Engine No. | 41313918 |
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 E24 remained in production until 1989 but its high price tag meant that only around 86,000 were sold in total (the vast majority in left-hand drive), and according to DVLA figures only around 500 are still registered in the UK today.
Dating from August 1986, this particular 635 looks particularly cool in metallic black with a black leather interior. Used at its makers intended, it has clocked up some 224,800 miles to date but comes with an impeccable service history comprising 31 stamps, virtually all at BMW main agents, the last at Nick Whale BMW at 222,443 miles in July 2008 when new front brake discs and pads were also fitted. Shortly after this it was taken off the road and put into storage where it remained until earlier this year.
Recently recommissioned with new plugs, rotor arm, distributor cap, battery, rear brake discs and pads etc. it is said to drive well with a current tax disc and an MOT valid until April 2015. The body and paintwork are still very smart following a £4,500 restoration in 2005 when new front wings were fitted, while the black leather interior has also held up remarkably well, testament to the quality of the materials used in this prestige model.
A Sony 10-disc CD system has been fitted and the car retains its original tool kit and all the original handbooks. Well maintained and well preserved, this cool retro ride looks like a tempting prospect at the modest guide price suggested.