1968 BMW 2000CS

The 2000CS was part of the Neue Klasse (or “New Class”) of BMWs that began in 1962. This crop of sedans and coupes were the company’s first all-new chassis and engine designs since the 1930s. They set the blueprint for modern BMW for decades to come.

An investment from the Quandt family—who still own a controlling stake in BMW—saved BMW from bankruptcy and launched the New Class cars. Clean-sheet designs brought BMW into the modern age. The New Class spawned several sedans and coupes that have a direct lineage to legends like the BMW 2002, E9 2800CS, E30 3 Series, and E28 5 Series. BMW eschewed the baroque styling of previous models, including the flagship Bertone-designed 3200CS. Instead, the marque implemented a sleek, modern three-box profile, including the Hofmeister kink in the C-pillar, named for designer Wilhelm Hofmeister. Independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms helped define BMW’s driving dynamics for generations to come, giving rise to the “Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline. The new M10 engine and its derivatives went on to power BMWs for years, even forming the basis for its Formula 1 and endurance race motors. The 1967 BMW 2000CS was at the head of the New Class. Think of it as the originator of the modern 6-Series coupe. Equipped with the 2.0-liter version of the M10 engine, the top-level twin-carburetor setup made 120 horsepower when new. It’s paired with a four-speed manual from the factory.