LANCIA GAMMA COUPÉ 2.5 I.E.
Beauty comes first
BMW M 635 CSI
Grey shark
YEAR: 1985
“The shark”, as this E24 BMW was called by its admirers, is considered one of the most beautiful of the 6 Series, and among the best-selling BMW cars.
This BMW M 635 CSI is the flagship of a successful model line. Its timeless elegance and prestigious competitive achievements make it a sought-after historical vehicle, suited for those who want a sports-worthy performance without compromising the ability to have long drives in total comfort—and on top of that, enjoying the feeling of owning an “M”, progenitor of a series that is now a brand within the brand with an ever-growing market value.
Historical background
The design that inspired a generation
The E24 was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1976. The 6 Coupé, designed by Paul Bracq—creator of many successful cars, including the Mercedes Pagoda W113—was immediately liked because it presented an original style to the public. Now, as it did back then, the 6 draws the eye with its profile, low beltline, and distinctive “shark nose”–a sloping nose that, with an equally sloping tail, uses subtle linework to convey a very dynamic body. With this model, Monsieur Bracq (also creator of the Series 3, 5, and 7 of those years), inspired a whole epoch that still echoes in the modern BMW production.
On top of several awards, thanks to its original aesthetic, the Series 6 Coupé also had a brilliant competitive career and won, at the beginning of the ’80s, several endurance competitions. It won the European Touring Car Championship in 1981, 1983 and 1985, as well as some international races, like in Japan and Australia.
In 1984, in the wake of these achievements, the sports version of the E24 series was presented: the M 635 CSI, with an enhanced engine inherited from the M1, an incredible 3.5 L I6 with a top speed of over 250 km/h. The chassis was reinforced and aptly modified, as was the rear differential, as a consequence of the torque higher than the regular 635.
Aesthetically, the M (called M6 in the US), was recognisable for its front and rear spoilers, the BBS rims, and the slightly off-centre double exhaust. The sports contour seats, available upon request in buffalo leather, characterised the interior.
Between 1984 and 1989, 5855 units of the BMW M 635 CSI were produced. One of them is kept in our garage here at Passione Classica.
Technical specifications
- BODY STYLE: Coupé
- SEATS: 4
- LENGTH: 475.5 cm
- WIDTH: 172.6 cm
- HEIGHT: 142 cm
- WEIGHT: 1,500 kg
- ENGINE: I6
- DISPLACEMENT: 3,453 cc
- POWER OUTPUT: 280 hp
- FUEL TYPE: Petrol
- DRIVETRAIN: RWD
- TRANSMISSION: Manual
- SPEED: 255 km/h
Driving experience – 5 stars, no matter what
Quattroruote gave 5 stars to the M 635 CSI in terms of engine, speed, acceleration, brakes, transmission, steering system, and roadholding. Are there still doubts about it being the best? Sure, to obtain the top model one had to scrape together around 80 million liras, but the prestigious I6 (M88) more than paid them back. Now as then, this M has pleasing speed and acceleration, thanks to the racing-oriented steering system, the chassis reacting optimally to direction changes, and the setup that, while comfortable, has a clear predisposition for racing. 1,500 kg of machinery certainly feels a lot lighter from behind the wheel.
Only shortcoming, a marked tendency to oversteer. It will do well to keep that in mind before stepping on the gas at the end of a curve, especially with low road grip.
Passione Classica’s BMW M 635 CSI
Bought from a large collection after rather heated negotiations, the BMW M 635 CSI has taken its place in Passione Classica’s garage. The colour combination—Polaris body and dark grey buffalo interior—does justice to Paul Bracq’s concept. Besides the leather upholstery, I also opted for the sunroof.
I had been chasing my dream of owning the first M6 for years, because I considered it, as I still do today, one of the most beautiful coupés of its time and among my all-time favourites. I chose the one you see in the pictures as I was certain of the quality of its restoration, and of its incredible condition in general: body and underbody, engine, and interiors are really in excellent shape. Given that spare parts for this car are generally expensive, it is unthinkable to hope to take home a BMW of this calibre for giveaway prices. So I preferred to spend more on an E24 ready for driving, and that went through a complete tune-up (documentation available). It comes with ASI (Automoclub Storico Italiano) certification.
Driving experience – 5 stars, no matter what
Quattroruote gave 5 stars to the M 635 CSI in terms of engine, speed, acceleration, brakes, transmission, steering system, and roadholding. Are there still doubts about it being the best? Sure, to obtain the top model one had to scrape together around 80 million liras, but the prestigious I6 (M88) more than paid them back. Now as then, this M has pleasing speed and acceleration, thanks to the racing-oriented steering system, the chassis reacting optimally to direction changes, and the setup that, while comfortable, has a clear predisposition for racing. 1,500 kg of machinery certainly feels a lot lighter from behind the wheel.
Only shortcoming, a marked tendency to oversteer. It will do well to keep that in mind before stepping on the gas at the end of a curve, especially with low road grip.
Passione Classica’s BMW M 635 CSI
Bought from a large collection after rather heated negotiations, the BMW M 635 CSI has taken its place in Passione Classica’s garage. The colour combination—Polaris body and dark grey buffalo interior—does justice to Paul Bracq’s concept. Besides the leather upholstery, I also opted for the sunroof.
I had been chasing my dream of owning the first M6 for years, because I considered it, as I still do today, one of the most beautiful coupés of its time and among my all-time favourites. I chose the one you see in the pictures as I was certain of the quality of its restoration, and of its incredible condition in general: body and underbody, engine, and interiors are really in excellent shape. Given that spare parts for this car are generally expensive, it is unthinkable to hope to take home a BMW of this calibre for giveaway prices. So I preferred to spend more on an E24 ready for driving, and that went through a complete tune-up (documentation available). It comes with ASI (Automoclub Storico Italiano) certification.
Price
€ 69,500.00
The cars in my garage
