BMW CS vintage concept by david obendorfer pays tribute to 1968 E9 series
BMW CS vintage concept by david obendorfer pays tribute to 1968 E9 series
all images © david obendorfer
the project by car designer david obendorfer is a modern interpretation of the 1968 BMW E9 series designed by giovanni michelotti. it focuses on two models: michelotti’s E9 and its predecessor, the 1965 BMW 2000 CS (E120 series). the BMW CS vintage concept is based on the 6 series platform; the style, despite numerous citations from the past, is substantially contemporaneous with updated proportions and with modern details, many of which are influenced by nautical styling solutions.
arrow shaped front with full LED headlights
‘back then the 2000 CS used to be fairly successful thanks to its sleek line, brilliant performance and good build quality,’ obendorfer tells designboom. ‘BMW decided to upgrade the model by setting up a new generation of straight-six engines, redesigning the interior, and the only part of the coupè that had raised concerns: the front. the new front end, by giovanni michelotti, gave considerable impetus to the whole car body. the designer from turin eliminated the large rectangular headlights in favor of an arrow-shaped front with a large matte black mask and four round headlights.’
BMW CS vintage concept by david obendorfer
‘the operation is very similar to the mid-generational refresh applied today by all car manufacturers to keep the product competitive and attractive to customers without making expensive technical amendments,’ he adds. ‘yet, the transition between the E120 and E9 was particularly important for BMW because the new front gave the car a strong stylistic identity with a recognizable personality. the design with the four round headlights has proved to be a winning style pattern that BMW has been carrying on for over 35 years evolving and proposing it on all its models.’
sloping rear end with simple horizontal taillights
the interior design is minimalist with simple lines and high quality materials such as wood or hand-stitched leather. it lacks references to the BMW coupés of the 60s such as the four circular instruments that on the CS vintage concept become four small TFT screens two of which are freely programmable. the central hideaway monitor displays navigational and infotainment data.
traditional four circular instruments that on the CS vintage concept become four small TFT screens
design sketches
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
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beautiful – I like seeing BMW go back to it’s teutonic heritage – the swooshiness of recent designs and studies often just seems contrived
this is something they definately should build
Built it
I’ll buy it
because
I love it
I think BMW could do this, if not as a big production/new language thing, but they could do it in a limited run car. Or this could be the next BMW design language, because nowadays they are over designing sometimes.
get rid of the center console
I’ve never heard or read anyone give Michelotti credit for the BMW E9. It is well known that he designed the BMW 700 under contract to BMW. And it has been claimed that he consulted on the ‘New Class’ sedans and two-door sedans (02s). Nuccio Bertone did the 3200 CS which was the real predecessor to the 2000CS and the E9s. Michelotti did a New Class-based coupe drawing in 1962 but it does not resemble the production design.
BMW Classic claims the 2000 CS and E9 were in-house designs by the department headed by Wilhelm Hofmeister with his team including Georg Bertram and Manfred Rennen. The final concept drawings for the 2000CS are by Rennen.
The Wikipedia article on Michelotti makes no claims that he designed the 2000CS or E9.
I do like this modern interpretation of the E9.
I like it. Very smooth and integrated. The only thing that would worry me would be that I think the front will be a stone chip catcher with the large reverse slope painted surface.
The delicate proportions have been lost even though many of the lines have been carried over. The E9 and smaller 2002 had a much lower “waist”– the greenhouse was proportionally taller to the body. I find this new design chunky in comparison.
On the other hand I like the interior. Its clean without looking sterile. The center council is needed to house the house the transmission and driveshaft so its a necessary evil.
I agree with the other commentators that the simpler design style is nice, compared to the more complicated panels that have become fashionable. I can’t stand the ‘face’ though. It just needs something.
Now I have to say this…I couldn’t comment fast enough.? that doesn’t happen often. This is brilliant. brilliant, and yes outstanding.? is there a lick you button.?
Love it!!!! Nice, smooth lines. I do own an E9 ( http://www.bmwe9.nl) you can see the lines in a new way. It’s brilllant. I want one 🙂
Honestly I’m down on my knees … so beautiful! BMW is currently doing the same mistake as Audi does: it’ s getting harder to distinguish one model from another, they are much too pleasing without any rough edges, without discussions going on about their designs, except the BMWi family. Chapeau, Mr. Obendorfer!
looks fantastic good old style lines this needs to built and put on the road all over the world. love it and want one .
Beautiful. Just beautiful. I personally think the 1971-1976 (US) BMW 3.0 CS(i) is the sexiest car made by BMW. If I’m not mistaken this was the daddy of the 1977 and later 6 Series. I think BMW should, atleast in a limited production run, make this retro model. I certainly would buy one! I was a kid when the 3.0 CS was in production and cant find one in excellent condition (for sale), so I certainly wouldnt miss out on this if it went into production.
simply,fair… Clean lines as a car desing deserve !
I think this design is stunning, but the front doesn’t quite work. And the interior is, quite frankly, ugly. With a few changes this car would clearly become a modern retro classic.