Now 91 years old, Paul Bracq has made a significant impact in the automotive world. The French designer was appointed Design Director at BMW in 1970 and played a role in the development of at least four different models in the several years that followed. Even today, he remains active in the industry and has been a judge at events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. One of the cars Bracq drew was the BMW E24 6-Series.
The Pick of the Day is a 1985 BMW 635CSi listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Stanton, California. (Click here to view the listing)
Known for its sleek design and elevated performance, the 6-Series was a grand-touring luxury coupe that rode on what BMW called the E24 platform and was produced from 1978 through 1989. BMW put a great deal of engineering effort into fit and finish. A magazine advertisement from the period said, “As long as there are people who can afford perfection, BMW will continue to pursue it.”
Car and Driver gave the car its fair share of praise, too: “In many ways, the 635CSi is a superlative car. It exhibits much better handling than BMW’s early 6-Series coupes. It is put together with rare care. And now it has Bosch ABS anti-lock braking equipment for help during emergency stops. All told, the 635CSi is a very accomplished piece of work.”
Finished in red over a black leather interior, this 6-Series comes with the provenance of enthusiast ownership: The seller says that the car was previously owned by an engineer who restored it over the last 20,000 miles. The long list work performed included the installation of a more powerful engine than the original – an M30 B35, to be exact. It was rated at 208 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque.
In addition, the transmission was rebuilt, the gears were replaced, the clutch was replaced, the front and rear suspension were rebuilt, and the brakes, wiring hardness and fuel lines all received needed service. “You name it, and he replaced it,” the listing reads. The car is said to have spent its life in California and is rust-free. In addition, the amenities like the air conditioning, power windows, antenna, sunroof and Alpine stereo are all in working order.
The seller concludes, “Here is a beautiful car you can proudly show off and enjoy driving hard and fast as it was intended by its German engineers. I have the title in my name, ready for the next owner.” The asking price is $27,500 or best offer.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com