1983 BMW E24 635CSi Group A Competition Coupé

Chassis no. E24 RA1-08

Footnotes

Mechanically similar to the 5-series saloons and styled by Karmann like the preceding 3.0 CS/CSi, BMW's 6-Series coupé debuted in 1976 incorporating some components destined for the yet-to-be-announced 7-Series. The handsome newcomer was similarly well specified, featuring all-independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and power-assisted steering as standard. It replaced the long running 3.0 CS series, whose pillar-less bodyshell was considered insufficiently strong to pass the latest US safety legislation.

Commencing with the 3.0-litre 630 and 3.3-litre 633, the range was supplemented in 1978 by the 635CSi, which would enjoy a production run lasting into the 1990s, being periodically up-dated in line with its sister models. For this ultimate expression of the line, BMW fitted its luxury coupé with a big-bore, short-stroke, race-developed, 3.5-litre engine producing 218bhp, an output good enough to endow the fully equipped 635CSi with performance on a par with that of the lightweight 3.0 CSL. A deep chin spoiler and boot spoiler outwardly distinguished the new model from its predecessors, contributing significantly to stability at high speeds. Even today, some 30 years on, these big BMW coupés have enormous presence, and with a 0-60mph time of around 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 140mph, in the case of the 635CSi, are not slow by any standards.

The car we offer is a BMW Motorsport factory chassis and one of the first 635 CSi Group A racers built. It was sold new to Giuseppe Briozzo, who raced it throughout 1983 in the European Touring Car Championship together with co-drivers Urs Knecht, Hans-Rudolf Stalder and Georges Bosshard. Its 1983 race history is as follows:

March 500km Monza - 10th Overall - Stalder/ Briozzo/Bosshard
April 500km Vallelunga - 9th Overall - Stalder/ Briozzo/Knecht
May 500km Donington - DNF - Stalder/ Briozzo/Knecht
May 500km Pergusa - 8th Overall - Stalder/Briozzo/Bosshard
June Silverstone Tourist Trophy - 27th Overall - Briozzo/Bosshard
June GP Brno - 10th Overall - Durig/Briozzo/Knecht
September ETCC Zolder - 7th Overall - Haezebrouck/Schumacher/Bosshard

Acquired by the current owner in 2016, the BMW has been fully restored to its former racing glory by renowned marque specialists Geoff Steel Racing of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. The restoration included a full bare-shell rebuild over the winter of 2017/2018, the original aluminium roll cage being removed and bodyshell dipped. A new T45 steel cage was then installed and the bodyshell fully sprayed inside and out white. The livery is as the car raced at the Donington 500km in 1983.

The original engine underwent a full rebuild - ARP con-rod bolts, up-rated cam followers, etc- and produced over 300bhp on the dynamometer. A new 100-litre fuel cell with dry break re-fuelling connectors was installed; suspension dampers and brake callipers fully rebuilt; and new master cylinders fitted. The seat, harness and fire extinguisher were renewed, and the interior retains its original, period dashboard and gauges. Air jacks are fitted also.

Following the restoration's completion, this car formed part of a racing team of four Group A BMWs. They were raced from approximately 2015 to 2018, and the team was maintained and supported by Geoff Steel Racing. This 635 CSi was tested at Silverstone before returning to the track at Donington Park in May 2018 for the HTCC event, driver Nick Padmore lapping in an impressive 1m 19.1s to secure 6th place on the grid. The car only completed this one race at Donington before the programme was halted. The team cars continued to be looked after by Geoff Steel, and this car should require only a light re-commissioning and a basic check-over before returning to the racetrack.
 
A complete restoration file comes with the car, which is supplied with a current FIA/MSA HTP. This truly stunning and very competitive BMW E24 635CSi would be a welcome entry into numerous race series including championships such as Motor Racing Legends, Heritage Touring Cup, etc. A spare set of racing wheels is included in the sale.