{"id":25483,"date":"2023-08-19T08:00:23","date_gmt":"2023-08-19T07:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/?p=25483"},"modified":"2024-06-25T17:53:15","modified_gmt":"2024-06-25T16:53:15","slug":"have-you-ever-heard-of-the-bmw-635csi-observer-coupe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/have-you-ever-heard-of-the-bmw-635csi-observer-coupe\/","title":{"rendered":"Have You Ever Heard of \u2013 The BMW 635CSi Observer Coup\u00e9?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 coup\u00e9 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 Coup\u00e9’ 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<\/a> here at Car & Classic, natch.<\/p>\n

\"BMW,<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"BMW,<\/a><\/p>\n

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 Coup\u00e9 was born.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n