BMW E3 2500

The new 7 Series from BMW is codenamed the 'F01'. BMW have run out of 'E' numbers it seems. That's a shame, as it's one of my favourite pastimes - remembering all the various model codes. Sad, maybe. But it gives me even more of a buzz when I see a car that people on a busy side street will just walk by without giving a moment's thought...

Specification
2.5 litre, SOHC Straight Six
173 bhp @ 5000 rpm
0-60 in 10.0 seconds
Standing 1/4 mile in 17.3 seconds
Combined cycle, 21 MPG

Whilst the cost in 1970 for the basic 2500 was $3000, the E3 was a direct ancestor of the F01. It started the template for a large sporting saloon that in one dynamic, driver-centric package, conquers challenging twisty mountain passes, coasts for innumerable Autobahn hours, with all the amenities of reclining seats, air conditioning and a quality stereo. The boot could easily carry four passengers' belongings and the suspension was designed to cosset, yet not allow too much corner roll - a BMW trademark.

The 7 Series range has stayed remarkably true to it's roots over the near 40 year run from when this vehicle would have been produced. And whilst the manufacturer has attempted to broaden it's portfolio with a bewildering array of products such as the X6, the Gran Turismo proposal and the Z3 'Breadvan', the linear progress made by the core 3, 5 and 7 series ranges is the defining story of BMW for nearly half of the company's existence.