One to Buy: 23,000 mile ex-Jay Kay 1989 BMW M635 CSi
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By dropping a close relative of the M1’s dual overhead cam 24 valve straight six into the elegant Paul Bracq-designed 6-series bodyshell which was then further enhanced with uprated suspension, brakes and a few subtle styling tweaks, BMW created one of the most highly regarded 2+2 Coupes of the 1980s.
Production of the M635 CSi began in February 1984, five months after the new model had made its debut at the previous autumn’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Boasting a top speed of 158mph and 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds, it offered supercar-rivalling performance in a package practical enough for daily use.
Surprisingly, BMW’s decision to exclusively offer the M635 CSi with a manual gearbox undoubtedly restricted demand from the executive market into which it was pitched. To illustrate this fact, around 85% of contemporary Porsche 928 buyers opted for an auto ‘box which would suggest BMW left a considerable sum of money on the table.
In total, a little under 6000 examples of the M635 CSi were produced between 1984 and ‘89 of which just 524 left the factory in right-hand drive. Today, most of these have accumulated intergalactic mileage owing to BMW’s almost bulletproof built quality. However, currently on offer at the JZM Porsche showroom in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, is a remarkably little used collector-grade example.
First registered in September 1989, JZM’s car is one of just 102 face-lifted right-hand drive examples of the M635 CSi built. It was configured in the handsome combination of Cirrus Blue Metallic with Lotus White leather upholstery and an array of optional extras to include air-conditioning and an electric sunroof.
Today, the odometer shows just 23,500 miles which have been covered by five keepes from new, the most recent of which is renowned collector and Jamiroquai front man, Jay Kay. The car is being offered in immaculate condition throughout and rides on a set of handsome 17-inch Alpina wheels.
For more information visit the JZM Porsche website at: https://jzmporsche.com/
