BMW GROUP CLASSIC–RENTAL CAR PROGRAM.SELF DRIVE.
Classic
HistoryThe first BMW 3 Series (1975) and the BMW 5 Series (1972) were followed by the first BMW 6 Series in 1976. This was in the form of a new large coupé based on the engineering of the BMW 5 Series. This luxurious and sporty coupé remained in the range until 1989 – the longest production run for this series in the history of BMW automobile manufacture. The most successful model of the BMW 6 Series was launched in 1978 in the form of the BMW 635CSi. The BMW 635CSi was supplied on request with a catalytic converter (185 hp) from model year 1986 and was supplied exclusively with a catalytic converter (211 hp) from 1987.
BMW 635CSi.Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / Output
Top speed
Colour
1981Six-cylinder inline engine
3,453 cc / 218 hp
222 km/h (138 mph)
Polaris metallic
HistoryBMW finally entered the modern era of automobile construction in the post-war period when it launched the Grand Saloon (E3) and the Grand Coupé (E9). Right from the start, the design of the coupé was heralded as particularly successful. The BMW kidney-shaped grille, the signature “4-eyed countenance”, the typical character line and the “Hofmeister Kink” are combined here for the first time to forge a unit which was to define the profile for the coming decades. In 1971 the BMW 3.0 CS with a three-litre engine replaced the model 2800 CS. Apart from an increase in engine power by 10 hp, this new model offered customers disc brakes on all four wheels. This model remained in production until the end of this BMW Coupé generation in 1975.
BMW 3.0 CS.1975Six-cylinder inline engine
2,985 cc / 180hp
213 km/h (132 mph)
Fjord metallic
Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / Output
Top speed
Colour
HistoryIn 1972, the New Class was replaced by the first BMW 5 Series (E12). The designation of the BMW model series still used today was introduced here and this model also launched a new stylistic era for BMW. This was to give the BMW brand its unmistakable countenance. The BMW 528 was presented as the provisional model to top the range of the 5 Series in January 1975. This carburettor version of the 2.8 litre engine was replaced from 1977 by the injector 528i but remained in the range for the South African market until 1981.
BMW 528.Baujahr
Motor
Hubraum / Leistung
Höchstgeschwindigkeit
Farbe
1975Six-cylinder inline engine
2,788 cc / 165hp
198 km/h (123 mph)
Golf
HistoryFollowing the impressive sales success of the original BMW 3 Series with four-cylinder engines, built from 1975, the first 3 Series with a sixcylinder carburettor engine was duly launched in 1977. Then, in early 1978, the top-of-the-line 3 Series model – the BMW 323i with fuel-injected engine developing 143 hp – went into production. The agility of this compact sports sedan reawakened happy memories of the fleet-footed yet powerful BMW 02 from earlier in the decade.
BMW 323i.Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / output
Top speed
Colour
1979Six-cylinder inline engine
2,315cc / 143 hp
190 km/ h (118 mph)
Polaris metallic
HistoryShortly after the introduction of the BMW 02 in 1966, an array of additional variants were added to the model range. The BMW 1802 unveiled in 1971 appealed to economically-minded heads and sports-enthused hearts alike. Powered by a 90 hp short-stroke engine, the BMW 1802 combined impressive cost-effectiveness with smile-inducing dynamics at a very reasonable price.
BMW 1802.Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / output
Top speed
Colour
1974Four-cylinder inline engine
1,766cc / 90 hp
165 km/ h (103 mph)
Redmetallic
HistoryOne of the rarer variants of the BMW 2002 remains the convertible built by Stuttgart-based coach-builders Baur. A “full” convertible was offered for a short time in 1971, but the prospect of more stringent safety regulations prompted the developers to change tack. The result was a soft-top version of the BMW 2002 with a rollover bar and fixed rear side windows. The new model couldn’t offer quite the same appeal as fully open-air driving, though, and also fell short of the stylistic harmony displayed by the “Vollcabriolet”.
BMW 2002 BAUR CABRIOLET (TARGA).Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / output
Top speed
Colour
1976Four-cylinder inline engine
1,990cc / 100 hp
170 km/ h (106 mph)
Bluemetallic
HistoryAfter the remarkable success of the new mid-size BMW models and coupés, customers had to bide their time for a new wave of premium-class six-cylinder cars to appear over the horizon. Cue the arrival in 1968 of the new coupé and a brace of sedans with 2.5- and 2.8-litre six-cylinder engines. The BMW 2500 now marked the entry point into the world of luxury-class BMWs. For under 16,000 deutschmarks, customers could enjoy the fruits of 150 hp, sporty suspension and disc brakes all round. It duly became the most successful representative of the new model range.
BMW 2500.Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / output
Top speed
Colour
1968Six-cylinder inline engine
2,494cc / 150 hp
90 km/ h (118 mph)
Tundra Green metallic
HistoryAfter an extended sabbatical from the roadster scene through the 1960s and 70s, BMW took the motoring world by surprise in 1986 when it unveiled a cutting-edge prototype. Away from the limelight, BMW Technik GmbH had developed a futuristically styled, sporty two-seater with a plastic body to the verge of production readiness. Such was the groundswell of interest in the BMW Z1 Roadster that BMW launched a small-series edition of the car midway through 1988. Boasting the powertrain technology of the BMW 325i and stylistic flourishes such as retracting doors, it wasted no time in becoming an automotive collector’s item.
BMW Z1.Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / output
Top speed
Colour
1991Six-cylinder inline engine
2,494cc / 170 hp
225 km/ h (140 mph)
Magic Violet metallic
HistoryThe Mini Cabriolet was first shown to the public at the October 1992 British Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham. The introduction followed in July 1993. Developed by Rover Special Products and Karmann (Germany) it was built at Longbridge. However, it was subject to a special manufacturing process. A Price of GBP 11,995 against a Cooper of the time at GBP 6,995 was a marked difference. The strengthened body shell was available in two colours, Nightfire Red with matching red hood or Caribbean Blue with Grey hood. Caribbean Blue was replaced by British Racing Green in 1995. Between 7/1993 and 8/1996 1.081 units Mini Convertible have been built.
MINI CABRIOLET.Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / output
Top speed
Colour
1996Four-cylinder inline engine
1,273 cc / 63hp
145 km/ h (90 mph)
British Racing Green
HistoryFollowing the start of production of the New Class in 1962 in the shape of the BMW 1500, additions to the line-up came thick and fast. 1966 saw the arrival of the BMW 2000, one of the model range’s most successful representatives. The torquey 100 hp engine and compact but wellequipped and comfortable body came together to create a wonderfully well-balanced car. It wasn’t until 1972 that this model was replaced by the BMW 520 from the first-generation BMW 5 Series, complete with rectangular headlights.
BMW 2000.Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / output
Top speed
Colour
1971Four-cylinder inline engine
1,990cc / 100 hp
168 km/ h (104 mph)
Red
HistoryBMW unveiled the Z3 Roadster – the first car from the brand produced exclusively outside Germany – at the Detroit Auto Show in January 1996. The two-seater had earned the popular vote even before its presentation, on the back of its spectacular turn in the James Bond movie GoldenEye. The two four-cylinder variants of the Z3 were joined by the six-cylinder BMW Z3 2.8 developing 193 hp, which stole the show with its exceptional smoothness and appetite for revs.
Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / output
Top speed
Colour
1999Six-cylinder inline engine
2,793cc / 193 hp
218 km/ h (135 mph)
Palmetto Green 2 metallic
BMW Z3 ROADSTER.
HistoryThe special-series car dubbed the “Mini Classic Edition” by Rover marked the end of classic Mini production in April 2000 after more than 41 years rolling off the assembly line. As well as the Mini Classic Seven, Mini Classic Cooper and Mini Classic Cooper Sport variants, customers could also order a Mini Classic Knightsbridge designed specially for the European market. In addition to sports suspension and suitably sporty tyres on 13-inch Minilite light-alloy wheels, this small “luxury body“ was equipped with a selection of other extras: a dashboard made from polished burr walnut, a two-tone leather steering wheel and soft leather seats. Production was finally phased out in October 2000.
MINI CLASSIC KNIGHTSBRIDGE LHD.Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / output
Top speed
Colour
2000Four-cylinder inline engine
1,275cc /63 hp
148 km/ h (92 mph)
Green
HistoryThe successors to the strong-selling Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow two-door Saloon and Drophead Coupé went on sale in 1971. However, these were not all-new models but a lightly revisedRolls-Royce Silver Shadow presented with new names. Rolls-Royce had already taken out protection for the Corniche name in 1939. It was inspired by a famous coastal road in southern France, where Sir Henry Royce spent a large period of his life. Internationally standard body designation terms had also been adopted, which meant “Coupé” and “Convertible” versions of the Rolls-Royce Corniche were now on sale. Modifications to the valve gear and ignition, intake system and exhaust helped boost power levels, while cruise control was made available for the first time.
ROLLS-ROYCE CORNICHE CONVERTIBLE.Year ofmanufacture
Engine
Capacity / output
Top speed
Colour
1980
Eight cylinder V-engine
6,750cc / 244 hp
190 km/ h (118 mph) Black