In 1998 BMW did something very contrary. Two years earlier they had presented a brand new roadster under the name Z3, but the Bavarians felt that a version with a fixed roof was also needed. Instead of just giving that Z3 Coupé a — indeed — coupe roofline, they mounted a construction that was more reminiscent of the Touring breaks that the brand had in the catalog. Thus was born a car that was nicknamed ‘Clown Shoe’, because the Z3 Coupé sported a shape we had never seen before and never seen since… Until now.
Showcar met gigakoffer
Meet the spiritual successor to the BMW Z3 Coupé: the Concept Touring Coupé. Under the skin, that is just a new BMW Z4 M40i, but with a fixed roof and a Touring butt. They are not so much there to provide more seats, but to create a huge luggage space behind the two seats. The rest of the interior is recognizable for those who are used to a Z4, although everything was covered for the occasion with high-quality Poltrona Frau leather and extra artisan stitching. The exterior was draped in a unique ‘Sparkling Lario’ paint with blue metallic flakes, silver bronze trim and 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.
Of course, the fact that we know all this in such detail does not bode well for the future of this Concept Touring Coupé. The name says it all: this is not a production model but a concept car. BMW built the car to show it off at the Concorso d’Eleganza that took place in Villa d’Este last weekend and is said to be sticking to one handmade copy… But are we Autofans satisfied with that? Or should BMW absolutely put this thing into production? Let us know in the comments!
