1987 BMW M635CSi Coupé

Footnotes

'A highly significant car in BMW's history, the M635CSi was the first to carry the famous "Motorsport" badge that has become synonymous with superlative performance and engineering.' – Supercar World.

Stylish, fast, and well engineered, the 635CSi enjoyed a production run lasting into the 1990s, being periodically up-dated in line with its sister models. BMW's 600-Series coupé debuted in 1976 and was mechanically similar to the 700-Series saloons, although introduced before them. Karmann styled like the preceding 3.0 CS/CSi, the newcomer was similarly well-specified, featuring all-independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and power-assisted steering as standard. Brainchild of BMW's Motorsport department, the M635CSi version arrived in 1984. Its engine was a development of the M1 supercar's 3.5-litre, 24-valve, six-cylinder unit producing 286bhp, the increased power necessitating chassis improvements which included altered weight distribution, revised suspension, bigger brakes, and a limited-slip differential. There was also a close-ratio five-speed gearbox (or four-speed multi-mode auto) and a more luxurious interior, while outwardly this ultimate 6-Series model was readily distinguishable by virtue of its 'M Technic' body kit. Performance was emphatically in the supercar league, the M635CSi being capable of reaching 100km/h in around 6 seconds on its way to a top speed in excess of 250km/h. Really well preserved and original specimens such as this example are now very rare and keenly sought after by collectors.

The car offered here was delivered new to Belgium and has had only one registered owner from new. Still retaining its original Belgian license plate, 'M-974-T', it has covered only 51,000 kilometres and comes with full history. A true collectors' item, this example is one of only 3,283 non-catalyst EU-specification cars built.

The BMW was delivered on 24th July 1987 by Garage BMW Meersman in Sint-Niklaas to its first and only owner, Mr Antoin Geleyn, a well-known cheese and dairy merchant from Beveren. A young man and a great BMW enthusiast, Mr Geleyn cherished the car with much love until his death at the age of 66 in November 2017. His enthusiasm is evidenced by the original invoice, which lists almost all the available options. In addition to the full sports interior in buffalo leather, we find the following: tinted windows; sunroof; alarm; Becker Mexico audio with electric antenna; electric seats (x4); and the complete M Technic spoiler package. The invoice total amounted to 2,493,631 Belgian Francs (after deduction of a considerable discount) or €61,815 today, making the BMW a very expensive car at the time.
Mr Geleyn used his BMW only sporadically during his 30 years of ownership. In the maintenance book 14 services are recorded over the course of barely 51,000 kilometres driven. All services were carried out at the same BMW dealer in Sint-Niklaas that has supplied the car new in 1987. In addition, the car is accompanied by a thick history folder containing original invoices; original registration certificate; old insurance documents; all original keys, etc. Remarkably, the car still retains Mr Geleyn's personal audio cassettes, their music so redolent of the 1980s.

The car is un-restored and in original condition, apart from the front bonnet and right-hand side front wing, which have been repainted, and shows only slight traces of use, which gives it a uniquely beautiful patina. Recently fully checked, it is in full working order and drives like a new car. All accessories and optional equipment work flawlessly.

The car comes complete with all books and tools in their case; its original Belgian registration document in name of Mr Geleyn; sundry bills; and a copy of the original sales invoice. A unique, virtually 100% original, Belgian delivered example - in 'time warp' condition - this beautiful BMW M635CSi is ready to use and would grace any important private collection.