The BMW Observer Coupe

A very special BMW prototype 635 CSi with a sliding panoramic roof and rear window.

The result of a three-cornered collaboration between The Observer magazine, Mike Gibbs's Coventry-based company MGA and BMW (GB) Ltd. The Observer Coupe featured a car with roof and rear screen panels which motor electrically out of sight into the boot lid.

Developed to showcase the innovation and skill of British engineering and designers the car featured on its own huge stand at the 1983 NEC motorshow. Key people were design engineer Alistair Millar, stylist Stephan Ferrada and electrical systems engineer Stanley Daniels.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• BMW
• Observer
• Coupe
• 635
• CSi
• 635csi
• Classic

[cyberpine]

Very Nice! I have had a similar idea for a very long time. Only a bit different. Imagine a 5 seater 2 door sports coupe like cadilac CTS with a nice high back. Imagine the rear widow sliding into the roof instead down like this. then give it a tailgate and very versatile rear seats. Check out "Open Cargo Coupe" on youtube.

[Stratoszero]

Thanks for posting this up, I loved this as a kid and remember gawping at it on the stand, collecting magazines that featured it etc, all gone now. Hardly anyone remembers it which is a shame. I wonder what was up withe myriad choice of cheesy music on the video, one minute it's David Bowie the next it's Johnny Cash......weird. Apparently the car still exists but is a bit sorry and has lost it's roof which is very sad.

[Abraxes911]

Proud to own a 635. Like the narrator says at 1:01, the finest coupe in the world :P

[candvbmw]

Rarer than hen's teeth! Thanks for posting!