Have You Ever Heard of – The BMW 635CSi Observer Coupé?

We’re pretty sure most people have heard of the BMW 635 CSi. It was peak BMW back in the ’70s and ’80s. Impeccably mixing beautifully balanced coupé looks with strong performance it really was the ultimate driving machine, but BMW did take it a step further in 1982. And no, we’re not talking about the M version, that was still another year away from hitting the streets. The car we’re discussing today, ladies and gentlemen, is the lesser spotted BMW 635CSi ‘Observer Coupé’ and you’d be forgiven for never having heard of it because there’s only one in existence – one that we just so happen to have for sale here at Car & Classic, natch.

Debuting in 1976, the original E24 6 Series was the successor to BMWs previous E9 model. Retaining that car’s coupe body style but equipped with meatier six-cylinder engines it was an instant hit, with the flagship, 3.4-litre 635CSi taking the top spot in terms of both performance and specification, not counting the M635CSi of course – that car did pinch its engine from the M1 after all. Truly a car of its time the 635CSi was Wall Street on wheels that attracted the appropriate clientele looking for a suitable status symbol to match their pinstripe Valentino suits and subtle off-white business cards.

During the formative years of 6-Series production back in the early ’80s, however, BMW didn’t really offer a factory convertible. In the past you could have a 503, or a 507 without a roof but for cars like the 1602 and E21 3 Series, for instance, BMW would team up with German coach-builders Bauer to make roofless versions of its cars. Rivals Mercedes and Porsche were offering fully fledged drop tops in the form of the SL and 911 Cabriolet so BMW made the decision to create a convertible version of the E24, and so the BMW 635Csi Observer Coupé was born.

Sticking to that same collaborative format, BMW teamed up with British coach building firm MGA, or Mike Gibbs Associates to give it its full title. Having previously worked with Bentley, among others, MGA was interested in producing an electric convertible roof system composed of two glass panels that could slide into a concealed compartment in a boot lid. The 635CSi was chosen as the guinea pig and so Gibbs and a talented team of engineers from the likes of Ford, Porsche and BAE set to work.

With more than 100 modified or redesigned parts and panels, not to mention over 150 brand spankers, including a new body kit, front spoiler, roll-over bar and those esoteric Centra Type 6 wheels by Autosport Design Ltd., the BMW 635CSi Observer Coupé (god that’s a mouthful) was presented at the 1982 British Motor Show with a price tag of £100, 000, complete with its standard 3.4-litre, six-cylinder engine.

At the push of a button the glass roof and rear panel would slide into a new, low profile decklid to allow for the retention of the car’s factory luggage space with the added upshot of being more aerodynamically efficient than a standard 635CSi. But where does the Observer part come in we hear you cry. Well, the Observer mag was on a bit of a downturn at the time and so in a bid to revitalize itself it joined the party, co-financing the Motor Show stand and supported the venture with numerous press articles, whilst simultaneously lending its name to proceedings.

Since appearing at the NEC all those years ago the car was used by BMW GB as a promotional tool, touring the country and being wheeled out at various shows and dealerships nationwide. Mike Gibbs then used the BMW 635 CSi Observer Coupé as his own company car for a few years before selling it on in ’93. Two owners and 24 years later the current keeper acquired the car in 2017 before sympathetically restoring it to its former glory. With a history file bigger than Christopher George Latore Wallace backing up the car’s fascinating history it is now for sale at Goodwin Cars in Surrey via the Car & Classic classifieds.

Not only is this a wonderfully restored and mechanically excellent example of BMWs flagship 6 Series of the early ’80s, displaying just over 19,000 miles from new, it’s also a true one of a kind car. A special, unique and sensational chapter in British automotive design this is a must have for any serious BMW collector. There are a lot of kudos points up for grabs here so head over to the advert for a more comprehensive run down and details of how to buy. £75,000 may seem a little steep at first for a 635CSi but then this is no ordinary 635CSi and the fact of the matter remains that one off builds like this simply do not depreciate.