This is the JPS BMW 635 CSi which at one time was an icon amongst touring cars. It made its debut in 1981 in Group C, before moving to Group A in 1985 where it won 7 of 10 rounds of the Australian Touring Car Championship, taking on and beating Ford and Holden, while going undefeated in the AMSCAR series. Now it’s heading back to the race track competitively for the first time in more than 30 years.
Wearing its original black and gold JPS livery, the 635 CSi will make its European debut at the Silverstone Classic next month. Affectionately named “Black Beauty,” this classic Bimmer will take to the track with Kiwi racing legend Jim Richards behind the wheel once again, lining up against against a field of Group C Ford Sierra RS500s in the annual heritage race.
The sound of the straight six, twin-cam engine revving at more than 8000rpm is something all petrol heads should hear, especially when tuned to race in Group C form. This is the one and only 24-valve engined BMW 635 ever raced.
