Whereas coach-built works aren’t essentially the very first thing that springs to thoughts while you consider BMW, the producer isn’t any stranger to the low-volume recreation. You want look no additional than the story of the Zagato Coupe, or the modern-day 3.0 CSL. Extra die-hard fanatics might recall a selected collaboration with Pininfarina that debuted on the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza – the BMW Gran Lusso Coupe Idea. Manufacturing was promised so long as the car was well-received at its debut – which it was. However, the $850,000 murals by no means had its shot on the deliberate 200-300 unit run. In Steve Saxty’s three-book BMW Behind the Scenes set, you’ll be able to study extra concerning the historic Pininfarina-penned idea automobile.

An Unsure Association

The Gran Lusso Coupe was on shaky floor from the very starting. Most fanatics are already conscious of Pininfarina and Ferrari’s relationship. The character of which really required the Italian automaker’s permission for the design home to show a second present automobile based mostly on Ferrari parts. Secondly, Pininfarina was sketching and dealing on the idea earlier than even signing a design settlement with BMW. In Saxty’s guide, Fabio Filippini remembers a fateful second earlier than Luca di Montezemolo in Maranello when every little thing falls into place.

Italian Ardour Meets German Refinement

Felix Kilbertus, chief of the design workforce behind the Gran Lusso, fondly remembers styling the vaunted coupe. “The hood and fenders have been sculpted to seem seamless and easy…a motif within the [side] pillar visually stretched the rear glass a bit additional backwards.” The stretched have an effect on created a singular Hofmesiter Kink that solidified the Pininfarina design as one thing wholly distinctive to BMW. Together with perception from design heavyweight Joji Nagashima (E39 5 Sequence, Z3, E90 3 Sequence), the Gran Lusso shipped off to Munich for approval.

V12 Energy And seven Sequence Refinement

BMW and Pininfarina wanted a drivable present automobile. For that, Pininfarina wanted a BMW drivetrain. Which, in fact, was fortunately supplied. A shortened chassis was shipped direct to Italy, full with operating gear and V12 engine beneath the hood. The final hurdle was making an inside that felt distinctive, however nonetheless patently BMW. With a few shortcuts – revealed in Saxty’s guide – and plenty of onerous work, the automobile debuted at Villa d’Este largely as deliberate. Sadly, that was so far as the BMW Gran Lusso would journey.

A Glimpse of the Future

On the time, a lot of the automotive press have been assured that the Pininfarina design was the BMW 8 Sequence. Although that wasn’t the case, one take a look at the trendy idea is sufficient to promote you on that concept even ten years later. The proportions and entrance bumper design are practically similar to what made it to the manufacturing 8er Coupe. At the moment, the Gran Lusso holds up effectively, nevertheless it’s a disgrace we by no means bought to see it on the highway.

Ultimately, the Gran Lusso suffered an identical destiny because the Zagato Coupe – one other story you’ll find within the BMW Behind the Scenes set by Steve Saxty. So in case you’re considering studying extra about what went behind the scenes, then the three-volume boxed set can be accessible quickly – at a pre-order worth of $299.95/€270/£78.11. Alternatively, the principal guide, “BMW by Design” is on the market instantly for $99.95/€90.02/£88.10; all with free transport in USA, UK and EU.