Photo: BMW
Following the success the 1500, 1600 and 1800 models had, BMW decide to launch a Coupe version of the popular sedan. The car was called the 2000C or the 2000CS and was a Grand Tourer.
In 1964, BMW started thinking about releasing a coupe version for the New Class range. The car, called the 2000C was built by Karmann between 1965 and 1969. This was the first time the 2-liter version of the M10 engine (that powered the 1800) was fitted on any production car.
The chassis of the 2000CS was used to develop the later E9 Coupes, including the legendary 3.0CSL. The new engine was a 1,990cc unit and initially had 100 HP for the 2000C. Later on the 2000CS (CS stands for Coupe Sport) had an improved engine that was developing 120 HP due to an additional carburetor. However, both cars had the same 4-speed manual gearbox as standard, whilst the 2000C had an optional 3-speed automatic gearbox available.
The design of the New Class Coupe was controversial. Most of the design was inspired by the previous, 3200CS Coupe and the New Class Sedan but the front of the car was completely new. This had the classic 2 kidney grilles along with the headlamps and a stainless steel bumper. The headlights had chrome finishes around the edges and the rest of the front of the car was made out of painted steel.
At the time some people criticized the looks of the 2000C and complained that it looked blunt and odd, but over the years the car became a classic and most people love the traditional BMW look the Coupe has.
In the 4 years of production, 13,248 New Class Coupes were built. Out of these 9,999 were 2000CS (with twin carburetors) and 3,249 were 2000C (single carburetor ones). The New Class Coupe was replaced in 1969 by the BMW E9 New Six Coupe or, as some might call it, the 6 Series' Grandfather.
The chassis of the 2000CS was used to develop the later E9 Coupes, including the legendary 3.0CSL. The new engine was a 1,990cc unit and initially had 100 HP for the 2000C. Later on the 2000CS (CS stands for Coupe Sport) had an improved engine that was developing 120 HP due to an additional carburetor. However, both cars had the same 4-speed manual gearbox as standard, whilst the 2000C had an optional 3-speed automatic gearbox available.
The design of the New Class Coupe was controversial. Most of the design was inspired by the previous, 3200CS Coupe and the New Class Sedan but the front of the car was completely new. This had the classic 2 kidney grilles along with the headlamps and a stainless steel bumper. The headlights had chrome finishes around the edges and the rest of the front of the car was made out of painted steel.
At the time some people criticized the looks of the 2000C and complained that it looked blunt and odd, but over the years the car became a classic and most people love the traditional BMW look the Coupe has.
In the 4 years of production, 13,248 New Class Coupes were built. Out of these 9,999 were 2000CS (with twin carburetors) and 3,249 were 2000C (single carburetor ones). The New Class Coupe was replaced in 1969 by the BMW E9 New Six Coupe or, as some might call it, the 6 Series' Grandfather.
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