In Europe, the BMW 635 CSI only ran in Group A trim and with 12 valves. In Australia, however, there was Group C for touring cars and significantly more was permitted. And so, in the land of the kangaroos, the BMW 635 CSI was given a 24-valve engine that was good up to 8400 rpm and wide mudguards under which huge rollers could be accommodated.
Although the BMW, which was painted in the legendary John Player Special colors, was only partially successful against the armada of eight-cylinder Holden touring cars in 1983, the Group A regulations were adopted in Australia the following year and from then on the rebuilt BMW 635 CSI could no longer be beaten.
Years later, New Zealand collector and enthusiast Peter Sturgeon took over the black beauty and had it rebuilt to Group C touring car specification on the advice of two witnesses of the time. The result is impressive and is sure to delight visitors to this year's Silverstone Classics from July 28 to 30, 2017.
The BMW 635 CSI will then compete against fire-breathing Ford Sierra RS500s and make its debut in Europe.
You can look forward to it!
More information about the Silverstone Classics can be found on the event's website.
