BMW 635 CSI

What happens when you mix the elegance of a luxury car with the performance of a sports car? You get the BMW 635 CSi. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Imani Josey, Berkley One’s Marketing Content Specialist, tells us why she loves the BMW 635 CSI.

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The Car:

The BMW 635 CSi marked BMW’s first foray in combining sportiness with luxury, making its design instantly iconic, as well as recognizable. It cemented BMW as a brand of luxury sports cars that boasted all the driving dynamics and performance of a sports car. Powered by a 3.5-liter inline-six engine, the 635 CSi delivered around 215-220 horsepower, it also has a sleek, shark-nose front, designed by French automotive designer Paul Bracq. He gave it an iconic, sporty appearance that remains admired today. Collectors value it as a symbol of the marriage performance and fine appointment.

The Collector:

Introduced in the late 1970s as part of the first-generation 6 Series (E24), the 635 CSi quickly became a symbol of luxury and performance. The CSi’s distinctive shark-nose design remains instantly recognizable. The 635 CSi also holds a special place in BMW’s history as it helped establish the brand’s reputation for combining sportiness with luxury in the grand tourer segment.

The Love:

Collectors want the BMW 635 CSi in their garage today because it exudes elegance and sportiness in a way that few cars of its time can match. Enthusiasts also appreciate its driver-focused cockpit and simplicity compared to modern, tech-heavy cars. It’s also just a piece of BMW’s history as it marked the brand’s rise as a maker of luxury sports cars. They’re relatively rare today, especially in well-preserved condition. If you’re a BMW enthusiast, you probably know now iconic this car is.

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Contributed by Imani Josey

Photo: iStock

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here.

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.