One Of Only 237 Five-speed California Models Imported Into The Usa on 2040-cars

The e24 model is a masterful combination of top-notch German engineering, timeless styling and spirited performance, all skillfully balanced on BMW's newly developed and better handling e28 chassis, powered with the rock-solid mechanicals that BMW has long been well-known for as the premier engine manufacturer in Germany's aircraft industry.  The six-series coupes are very comfortable, long-distance driving machines, which were developed out of a series of hard-fought successes on the European racing scene which early on BMW had to earn (the hard way) to even successfully begin to sell cars to the general public in any great quantity and thus allow the company to survive the lean times during the mid 1960's. In the end, it was the success of the 2002 that created the solid financial foundation for BMW to begin to redesign their new version of the 2-door Coupe concept in the early 1980's Just as she was assembled, this vehicle shows it's original matching chassis & drive-train production numbers (for collector car purposes) Always a California owned and garaged vehicle, the ultra-smooth M30 six-cylinder motor (rebuilt professionally at 163,000 miles by Bob Smith BMW in Los Angeles) coupled with the Getrag wide ratio 5-speed gearbox provides a truly amazing highway driving experience, at all speeds and under nearly all road conditions.  This original example of BMW's 'Big Coupe' is one of just a handful (only 237 in LHD) of the coveted five-speed 'California' special e24 models, these few exported to the USA upon special order during the initial years of the new e28 chassis development for BMW's new line of five and six and seven series cars.  e24 VIN: XXXX6725576 (US Specification; California Model) was assembled in Nov. '82 under special order for us through Santa Monica BMW for European delivery (Germany) Options added were Alpina's upgraded sport suspension to the vehicle (as BMW offered no sport package at the time) Also added was the sunroof and the newest On-Board Computer system, which tied into the Motronic system to give the driver the vehicle computer data in easily readable and real-time form. Upon US delivery, the 16" BBS RS 3-piece racing wheels were fitted and remain on the vehicle. Raw power from lightweight aluminum head/iron block engines BMW is now world famous for, the M30 straight-six engine in the e24's and e28's were now more economically controlled and thus also made more environmentally 'friendly' by incorporation of the new (and very reliable) 'Motronic' engine management system developed for BMW by Robert Bosch. This system reduced engine emissions significantly without sacrificing engine performance and delivered excellent fuel efficiency, thus the M30 engine, coupled with the nearly indestructible Getrag wide-ratio manual transmission and it's limited-slip differential drive unit made up the e24 Coupe traction grabbing drivetrain which is truly inspiring to operate on high-speed pavement. Of course, topping everything off visually is Karmann's excellent original bodywork on the e24, indeed very similar in appearance (although radically different where one can't see it) to the earlier work done by Karmann for the first (european) 1976-1982 e24 cars, back then on the BMW e12 chassis. These light body 2-door sport coupe bodyshells were some of the last handwork done for BMW by the original Karmannn body company. before body construction was brought in-house to BMW in 1985. Recent Upgrades: New e28 M6 front suspension (sub-frame to steering box) w/up-graded lightweight components-inc. all bushings/fittings...it will hold you in the tightest of turns as the sport seats hold you in place. Bilstein struts and shocks of course. Racing Dynamics lowered (7/8") finally replaced the original (but worn) Alpina/Bilstein suspension setup... Period correct (original) brushed BBS RS 16" (3-piece) style 005/6 alloy racing wheels w/SR tires. New high-output battery, low-profile tires and brakes...The fresh factory (twin) exhaust system releases the full potential of this very sweet sounding big six Coupe. Clean/Clear Oregon title. Frankly, If these cars are maintained properly over the years and are not subject to rust they likely will last easily 40-50 years and (unlike the e9 Coupe) were assembled from Galvanized steel and OEM parts are still readily available from BMW. This redesign of the earlier e12 based coupe was without compromise in both engineering, materials, craftsmanship and the solid integration of the world's highest quality electrical components. Myself, having driven this particular car for almost for 28 years.. I have to agree with most of the critical assessments that this particular variant will likely become one of the most collectible cars BMW produced after 1975 and IMO, is one very special automobile.  Please take a few minute to review the Holgis specs (at the URL) below and to view more information about these marvelous limited production Sport Coupes from Bayerische Motoren Werke, AG in Munich Germany and for specific BMW e24 California model information. See: http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh93/JRanmann/NewMasterAlbum/Holgis-1.jpg Contact seller in the USA for additional photos or information @ jranman(at)charter.net....and thanks for looking!