Background
BMW 3200 CS Coupé was first presented as a prototype at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show and entered series production in 1962. It was the final member of BMW’s post-war V8 model family and combined the engineering of the company’s 1950s luxury cars with a much more modern body design. Production continued until 1965.
Bertone and Giorgetto Giugiaro
The body of the 3200 CS was developed in cooperation with the Italian design house Carrozzeria Bertone. Its shape was created by Bertone’s young chief designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, working for BMW for the first time. The low roofline, large glass areas and cleaner proportions represented a clear break with BMW’s more conservative V8 models. The 3200 CS also featured the characteristic bend at the base of the rear side window that later became known as the Hofmeister kink and developed into one of BMW’s most recognisable design features.
3.2-litre V8
The engineering of the car was derived from BMW’s earlier V8 model family. Under the bonnet was a 3,168 cm³ light-alloy V8 producing 160 hp at 5,600 rpm. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox, and the 3200 CS had a top speed of 200 km/h. This made it a fast and prestigious luxury coupé for its era.
Old and new BMW
The BMW 3200 CS was a transitional model in several respects. Its chassis and V8 engine belonged to BMW’s earlier generation of luxury cars, while its Bertone body pointed towards the cleaner styling that would characterise BMW during the 1960s. The BMW 1500 Neue Klasse, unveiled at the same 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show, ultimately represented the company’s future, and BMW soon concentrated on a new generation of sporting saloons and coupés.
Only 603 Coupés
The BMW 3200 CS was an expensive automobile, priced at 29,850 Deutsche Mark when new. Only 603 Coupés were produced between 1962 and 1965. The model was not a commercial success and had no direct successor. BMW returned to the idea of a large sporting coupé a few years later with the Neue Klasse Coupé and the subsequent E9 model family.
The unique Convertible
In addition to the 603 Coupés, a single BMW 3200 CS Convertible was built. Completed by Bertone in 1962, this unique car was presented to BMW’s principal shareholder Herbert Quandt. It used the same 3.2-litre 160 hp V8 engine and had a top speed of 200 km/h. The car is now part of BMW’s historic collection.
Model in the collection
The BMW 3200 CS Coupé in my collection was produced by Neo Scale Models.
Technical data in brief
Production period: 1962–1965
Body style: two-door luxury coupé
Engine: light-alloy V8
Displacement: 3,168 cm³
Power: 160 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
Top speed: 200 km/h
Price when new: 29,850 Deutsche Mark
Production: 603 Coupés
Design: Giorgetto Giugiaro / Carrozzeria Bertone
Special feature: the final model of BMW’s post-war V8 car family
Photo of the real car, BMW Museum. Photo: Sten-Patrick Kreek