Successor to the race proven (E9) 3.0 CS / CSi high performance sports coupes, the 6-series was introduced in August 1976.

More forgiving and more executive than its predecessors, it utilised a modified version of the (E12) 5-series saloon platform equipped with all-round independent suspension (coil and wishbone front, trailing-arm rear) and powerful disc brakes.

A natural rival to the 928 and XJS, the four-seater 6-series proved more capacious than the Porsche and sportier than the Jaguar.

Immediately recognisable thanks to its distinctive 'shark nose' frontal styling and thin pillared glasshouse it boasts real road presence.

An impression backed up by the various versions of BMW's mighty M30, SOHC straight-six engine fitted throughout the range.

The 628 CSi's 2788cc unit developed some 184bhp and 177lbft of torque (outputs that were reputedly sufficient to propel it from 0-60mph in 8.3 seconds and on to 127mph).

As we know, the 6 series later came in many guises but there is n...