An extremely rare sight on Singapore roads, this is still the only e21 I ever remember seeing there.
Beginning of a Legacy ... the BMW 3-Series
The e21 is the original iteration of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1975 - 1982. It has gone on over the decades evolving into the 7th generation today. You can see the full history of each generation on this official BMW page. . The second generation E30 is the one that gets most of the attention nowadays, and although perhaps superior in many ways - The e21 is our favorite and if anything deserves to be the more iconic, as it's also the only 3 series to have received the 'shark nose' treatment.
The 7 generations of the 3-series, one of the best selling executive saloon cars of all time. source: BMW.com
These cars set the template for sports car levels of performance, dressed in sharp tailored business suits. They were to set the template of choice for the professional business and sales road-warrior which still exists today.
A rare sighting
Singapore 2011. I'd imagine this car is still with either the same owner or a collector by now. It would now be over 40 years old. Amazing to think how if it is taken care of, it can last seemingly forever. Not without plenty of meticulous care and attention of course!
10/10 originality and detailing, period AA badge is a further bonus, nowadays you only get a natty little window sticker. Twin headlights were introduced on the 6 cylinder models.
Chrome trims were a natty option personally I'd choose to delete, although some might find them quite fitting to the overall retro vibes?
The BBS style cross-spokes were a BMW period option, here they have appeared to go a step further with a modern representation of these with gold centers and some modern tires. This alone will give the car greatly improve drive-ability and safety. This could be a daily!
Provenance unknown
How the car came to my attention, and the most uncanny part of the story was one day it was parked slap bang under my apartment window. The residents in the units below have their washing hung out which made for a very iconic 'Singapore sight' overlaying the e21. Then I went straight down for the rest of the photos, and hung about for ages trying to catch the owner. I never did! One moment it was there and I went away for 10 mins and it was gone.
The sculpted bonnet with the pointed end forming the 'shark nose' nickname.
The rear end below tells us this is a 320, in other words the 2 liter straight 6 which was a fantastically smooth and powerful engine for its era.
Still think that removing the wheelarch chrome trims would be an improvement.
Kinky bits
The first generation e21 3 series was available as a coupe. 4 door saloon only came along from the 2nd generation. Design by Paul Bracq, rear window line incorporated the iconic feature first introduced by Wilhelm Hofmeister - chief designer at BMW 1955-1970. Hence the name, 'Hofmeister kink'. Many car brands have made their own interpretations since but BMW was the first with this styling quirk.
*note the kink in shape as the rear side pillar tapers down, then tucks in to the forward line of the car. It was a subtle design cue, however it contributed to the unique and recognizable 'look' of all modern BMW cars.
More shots
*Above: Just happened to show up with it's much younger and slightly more plump sibling, what was at the time an almost new 630i luxury coupe.
Parting shot
Perhaps one of the bests angles as it shows off the neat crease and Hofmeister kink. The radio antenna is a nice period touch.
Thanks for Viewing and See You Soon for more Newton Classics!
If you recognize this car and know more about it, I'd be very happy to hear from you!