∙Newly restored 635 CSi
∙Classic shark-nosed styling and best engine
∙Returned to the road after 16-year lay-up
∙Blue leather and BBS TRX alloys

The BMW ‘E24’ 6-Series was one of the German firm’s longest-serving models, in production from 1976 - 1989.

But then that’s hardly surprising, as it was also one of its finest-looking. Introduced in 1976, the shark-nosed coupé was styled by former Mercedes-Benz designer Paul Bracq, the Frenchman responsible for the wonderful SL ‘Pagoda’ as well as the classical stacked-headlamp front end seen on Mercedes models from the early Sixties to the mid-Seventies. 

The E24 was a new direction entirely in his work, and evolved BMW’s own classical styling cues – the shark-nose and ‘Hofmeister kink’ in the rear quarter being key design elements that needed to stand out. 

Initially, the 6-Series was built for BMW by Karmann as it was intended for small-series production, but so positive was its reception that in less than two-years production was moved to BMW’s Dingolfing plant in Bavaria, where it remained until 1989. 

One of the more unusual facts about the E24 is that it had a change of platform during production, but with minimal body changes. In 1982, the car was heavily repackaged and based on the floorpan of the new E28 5-Series rather than the outgoing E12 chassis on which it was originally designed, yet despite the substantial engineering changes required it retained most of its original panels – a very unusual way for a car company to carry out a facelift, but one that demonstrates just how ‘right first time’ the 6-Series styling was. 

What we have here is a very early facelift car and in the best spec – a 635 CSi with the 3,430cc M30 engine under the bonnet. It pre-dates the M635, so was the ultimate 6-Series in its day.

Very little is known about this car’s early history, but in many ways that’s academic as until last year it sat in a dusty garage, untouched since 2004. Over the past few months, the vendor and a friend have sympathetically rebuilt it and the car has just emerged from the paint shop looking absolutely fantastic. 

The current owner is a huge BMW fan and has an impressive collection of the Bavarian company’s cars as well as an infectious enthusiasm for them, so this car’s recommissioning was carried out with genuine love and dedication to be just right. But with another 635 that has greater sentimental value, he has decided to let this one go on to find a new owner.

As the car was a ‘garage find’ the only paperwork it comes with is a V5, which is in the name of the current owner, and a 6-Series owners’ manual that was discovered in the glovebox. But in some respects, it’s a case of starting again – the car has been rebuilt with everything that needed renewing being renewed, a full and comprehensive engine overhaul and service, new brakes, new bushes and a full exhaust system all being part of its restoration.

Other than a thorough clean-up, the interior of the 635 has been largely left alone. It has a mild patina to it and it feels just like it should do – the seats are far too good to have gone for a full re-trim and they wear their age brilliantly, but with some creasing of the leather that adds appeal rather than detracts. The rear seat is exceptional and looks like it has never been sat in.

The rest of the cabin is very smart, with some fabulous period features such as the BMW digital trip computer (a massively expensive option in its day) and an LED-operated warning light system to the right of the steering column. 

In the boot, the original BMW toolkit is more or less complete and there’s also the special tool for removing the BBS centre caps, which is a hugely sought-after rarity in itself. The luggage bay is very clean and smart.

It’s no surprise that the 635 is in excellent condition as it has barely been driven since the restoration was completed at the start of this year. 

The pale Cirrus Blue Metallic paint is almost silver in its appearance and is pretty much blemish-free. It’s awaiting a final cut and polish, which will be done before the car is handed over to its new owner, but even before that it exhibits a deep and impressive shine with no signs of defects in the paint. 

The vendor reports that the car was actually in very solid condition when he bought it, hence the decision to fully restore it, and that although localised body repairs have been carried out the shell was solid and required minimal work. 

The owner has advised us the that chrome trims for the roof gutters and window surrounds will be replaced prior to the auction end.

The unusual metric BBS alloys are in superb order and come with decent TRX tyres, which are a rare size but are still obtainable from specialists. 

As part of its restoration, the 635 CSi has had a mechanical overhaul and full service, so comes with fresh oil, plugs, filters and coolant.

The injectors have been professionally refurbished, the rear exhaust system attended to and the brake system and suspension has been overhauled. 

The engine sounds healthy and doesn’t emit any excessive smoke, while the under-bonnet area is very clean and well-presented. The engine bay itself hasn’t been repainted, as proven by the original stickers. This also helps prove the car’s overall solidity as the inner wings and strut tops are in great order.

The E24 is one of the coolest and most sharply styled BMWs ever made and this one is a fine example. It’s a wonderfully handsome car in great condition, in the best spec and in a really appealing colour scheme. The quality of the restoration work is impressive and it looks and sits ‘just right’.

It’s also a 635 – the best engine – and an early facelift, giving it a combination of design purity that was diluted on later models, coupled to the dynamically superior E28 chassis. As Eighties icons go, you’ll struggle to find better.

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