1983 BMW 635 CSI GROUP A - Classic Car Sales USA

Vehicle Overview
Technical Specifications

Estimated Price: £100,000 - £130,000

Offered here is Group A BMW 635 CSi chassis #RA1-08, a period-built competition car that competed in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) during the 1983 and 1984 seasons. BMW constructed approximately 50 Group A E24 635 CSi chassis during this period, an era in which the marque enjoyed considerable success and dominance in International Touring Car racing.

Commissioned and prepared by Giuseppe Briozzo for ETCC competition, the car was campaigned throughout the 1983 and 1984 seasons with support from the highly respected Eggenberger organisation, whose expertise with the BMW platform would become legendary during the decade.

Following its ETCC career, the BMW was used occasionally in Swiss hill-climb competitions before being acquired and stored by an Italian businessman. It subsequently emerged at RM Sotheby's famous Duemila Ruote sale in 2016, from where it was purchased and returned to the UK. Recognising the significance of the car, its new owner commissioned trusted BMW specialists, Geoff Steel Racing, to return the 635 to its correct Group A specification. The restoration was undertaken with great care and attention to detail, with invoices on file confirming expenditure in excess of £100,000. Following completion, the car competed just once before passing to its current custodian.

Current ownership has seen a comprehensive programme of further development and preparation, ensuring the car is, not only historically correct, but also reliable, competitive and ready for immediate use. Extensive works include the installation of a new ECU and engine loom, a reconditioned gearbox, new clutch, rebuilt limited-slip differential, refurbished Bilstein dampers, new WOSP alternator, new oil cooler, revised rear suspension setup, new FIA-specification fuel cell and pumps, new seat and harness, upgraded cooling fan, new brake master cylinders and a new demisting system. In addition, considerable time and expense have been invested in development, testing and refinement, resulting in a car that is both dependable and highly competitive whilst remaining an undoubted crowd favourite.

The engine has proven both powerful and reliable throughout current ownership. A recent rolling-road session, following installation of the new ECU, recorded 310bhp at the flywheel on 99-octane fuel, however, with its high-compression specification, there remains further potential for increased performance when running on high-octane race fuel.

The car has been entered in eight historic race meetings in recent years, competing at circuits including Silverstone, Donington Park, Assen and Zandvoort. All safety equipment remains fully in date and the car is offered ready to race following extensive professional preparation. It is presented exactly as it finished following a competitive 13th place result at the 2025 Silverstone Festival.

Accompanied by a current FIA Historic Technical Passport valid until the end of 2028, the BMW remains in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition, having completed in only the eight aforementioned race meetings since its restoration and without accident damage during that period. The striking livery it wears today faithfully recreates that used during the 1983 Donington ETCC round.

The current owner has enjoyed the car for the past four years and has spared little expense in ensuring it performs to the highest possible standard. The substantial accompanying history file and recent invoices clearly demonstrate the meticulous attention it has received. Eligible for many of Europe's premier historic racing series, including Peter Auto, Masters Historic Racing, Motor Racing Legends and Belcar Historic Cup, the car is welcomed wherever it appears and consistently attracts significant interest from competitors and spectators alike.

A rare opportunity to acquire a genuine period ETCC Group A BMW, professionally restored, comprehensively developed and offered fully prepared for continued historic competition. In capable hands, the car is capable of running at the pace of contemporary E30 M3s whilst offering something considerably rarer and more distinctive on the grid.

Period Competition Results

1983 ETCC Season