Retro Ad: 1986 BMW 635CSi / K100RS
Trophies do have a certain appeal.

By the early 1970s, BMW knew that its pretty and popular 3.0 CS coupe would not meet future Federal standards for either rollover or collision protection. So BMW’s French chief of design, Paul Bracq, was tasked with designing a replacement for the pillarless coupe. A huge part of Bracq’s challenge was retaining the elegant sportiness of BMW’s flagship, while building in a higher level of occupant protection than any BMW coupe had ever known.

Fortunately, Bracq and his team were up to the task. The beautiful result of four years work was the 6 Series, acclaimed upon its 1976 debut for its simple yet graceful design. Early Sixers were actually displayed in galleries as works of art.

An instant modern classic, the 6 Series enjoyed a run of 13 years, with over 86,000 vehicles produced. The heavier and much more expensive 8 Series failed to replace the Sixer in the hearts of BMW enthusiasts; dismal sales prompted BMW to pull the plug on the 8 in 1998. The good news: a new 6 Series is planned for 2003.

007 in a 640CSi?

The Sixer was widely viewed by the motoring press of its day as successfully filling its own unique niche between luxury Mercedes and performance Porsche coupes. BMW's flagship performed its role as a luxury sports coupe with distinction, lending its aura of class to the entire BMW line throughout its 13-year production.

Today the 6 Series remains a class act, with nice examples both plentiful and affordable for the coupe aficionado. This two-page ad from the February 1986 issue of Road & Track features the 1986 635CSi and K100RS in all their glory. -Rick Sparks

WINNING ISN'T EVERYTHING, BUT THE TROPHIES DO HAVE A CERTAIN APPEAL.

Possession of an extraordinary inner drive is what marks certain individuals as destined to succeed.

Possession of an extraordinary driving (or riding) machine is what distinguishes those individuals who have fulfilled this prophecy. And then some.

The limited production BMW 635CSi pictured here, for example, is priced in excess of $40,000*. Nearly twice the average household income, let alone the price of the average car.

But then, average wasn't the operative word in its design. Perfection was.

So it's hardly surprising that the 635CSi's classic styling inspires paeans such as this from Road & Track: "As automotive sculpture, it's a Rodin."

Although given the exceptional mobility of this particular sculpture, Calder might be a better analogy. After all, the 635CSi can propel four adults cosseted in hand-stitched leather luxury to 60 mph in a time more commonly associated with two-seater sports cars. And bring them to a safe halt using BMW's ABS antilock braking system.

And in the foreground, is yet another example of this uncompromising philosophy. The BMW K100RS. A four-cylinder, 1,000cc motorcycle whose low center of gravity and extremely broad power band make it, as Cycle News put it, "a taut, precise handling, reliable and easy to ride motorcycle; a gentleman's motorcycle."

However, while both the K100RS and 635CSi can be viewed in one context as trophies, they do hold a pronounced advantage over all such static tributes to your achievement. The opportunity to relish them daily on a surface vastly more exciting than your mantelpiece.

Comprehensive financing and leasing programs are now available at all participating BMW dealers through the new BMW Credit Corporation.

THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE.

*Manufacturer's suggested retail price, $41,965. Actual price depends upon dealer. Price excludes state and local taxes, dealer prep and handling charges. ©1985 BMW of North America, Inc. The BMW trademark and logo are registered. European Delivery can be arranged through your authorized U.S. BMW dealer.

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