The foundation of BMW's post-war resurgence was the Neue Klasse four-door 1500 saloon and its derivatives, the company capitalising on their success with the launch of a revised two-door range in 1966.

Like the earlier cars, the new 1600 (later 1602) featured unitary construction, all-independent suspension and front disc brakes.

All variants came with the Munich firm's dependable, single-overhead-camshaft, four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, which despite its humble origins would go on to form the basis of a turbo-charged 1,000-horsepower Grand Prix unit and Formula 1 World Championship winner.

Demands for increased power had led to the introduction of a larger, 1,990cc version of the existing M10 engine in 1965, one of the first recipients of this being the 2000C/CS coupé.

Built by coachbuilders Karmann of Osnabrück, the latter combined Mercedes-rivalling luxury with, in the case of the twin-carburettor 120bhp CS, exceptional performance for a 2-litre car.

The 2000C came with...