Description
BMW 2000 CS – An elegant precursor among BMW’s grand coupes
When BMW unveiled the new 2000 CS at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 1965, it was about far more than a mere novelty. It was a statement: BMW no longer wanted to define itself solely by the solid saloons of the “New Class,” but also by an elegant, luxurious and sporty coupe. The 2000 CS combined modern four-cylinder tech with a representative silhouette, making it a genuine ambassador for the brand and establishing the link between the bulky V8s and the new generation of light, dynamic coupes. In its proportions and side profile, the 2000 CS consciously echoed the styling codes of the 3200 CS drawn by Bertone. Its aristocratic elegance – elongated lines, clear surfaces, subtle tension of the flanks – is reinterpreted in a lighter, more technical way, with a focus on the New Class. The 2000 CS thus becomes a stylistic bridge between tradition and modernity, and the precursor of the legendary six-cylinder E9 coupes. Without the 2000 CS, the E9 would never have come to life in this form.
Between 1965 and 1970, only about 7, 900 units were produced – making the 2000 CS a rare appearance even today. Positioned at the top of the New Class range, it offered 120 hp thanks to two Solex double-p carburettors, and represented the most exclusive and sporty version of the series. The example offered was first registered in Essen on 18 December 1969 in the name of Hans-Harald W. (plate E-PH 88). Assembled at Karmann and then completed in Munich, it left the factory in a particularly refined configuration: Polaris Silver metallic paint accentuating the coupe’s silhouette, paired with a thick blue calf leather interior – a upholstery reserved for BMW’s high-end models of the late 1960s. This leather remains virtually unequalled in quality, feel and durability to this day – and it still disperses that warm, distinctive scent that immediately appeals to connoisseurs.
On 18 June 1973, the second owner, Mrs Liesel K. of Duisburg, took possession. Under the registration DU-AK 82, she kept the car for almost twenty years, until it was taken off the road in March 1991. The coupe then disappeared from the roads for nearly two decades. Circa 2005 began its second life: a meticulous and faithful body restoration, restoring it to its original state and elegance. In 2010, during the dispersion of a collection, the CS passed into the hands of the renowned BMW specialist Thomas Feierabend. He carried out a thorough overhaul: the braking system completely replaced, Bilstein B6 suspension, engine rebuilt with a new cylinder head, clutch replaced and the gearbox converted to a 5-speed sports version. A sport exhaust completed the work, giving the coupe greater presence and a rich, characteristic sound.
In 2017, the car joined the collection of a major BMW enthusiast in Hamburg. It then benefited from Mike Sanders anti-corrosion protection and received two rare additions: the highly sought-after Alpina steel wheels and an original Alpina wood-rimmed steering wheel. Another charming detail: the Becker Avus radio – one of the most exclusive of its era. The original wheel set is also part of the package. Since 2017, the car has been carefully maintained. Today it presents itself in an exceptional technical and aesthetic condition – a coupe not only preserved but refined over the decades. The interior reflects the ambitions of a genuine Gran Turismo: precious wood inserts, premium materials and clear instrumentation already made the 2000 CS a car for connoisseurs seeking individuality and exclusivity.
The documentation is exemplary: vintage cardboard registration certificate, BMW user manual, BMW birth certificate, extensive photo report of the restoration, 2022 appraisal rated 1, as well as a complete CD recounting its time with Thomas Feierabend.
Summary
This BMW 2000 CS is far more than a simple classic coupe – it is a rolling witness that preserves the spirit of the late 1960s. Its lines embody elegance and renewal, its mechanics bear the mark of seasoned specialists, and its rare details make it a collectibles piece of remarkable authenticity. More than fifty years after its first registration, it appears fresher than ever – technically and aesthetically in a condition close to new. Without exaggeration, this BMW 2000 CS ranks among the finest examples currently available on the market – a high-quality coupe with rare history and timeless aura. It remains an elegant pioneer: inspired by Bertone’s line, perfected by BMW, and still today a symbol of the tradition of the coupés that earned the brand its world-renowned reputation.
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