BMW CS Vintage Concept

New Designers 2 Apr 2014

The BMW CS Vintage Concept is a sign study that pays homage to Giovanni Michelotti by reinterpreting his 1968 BMW E9 series. The author is industrial designer David Obendorfer.

For his BMW CS Vintage project, David Obendorfer took inspiration from the 1968 BMW E9 series designed by Giovanni Michelotti and the previous model, the 1965 BMW 2000 CS (E120 series).

Back at the time, Michelotti introduced a new front end with the the arrow-shaped nose and twin round headlights in place of the rectangular units and a face that gave the German carmaker an unmistakable identity, still present today on the entire model line-up.

Based on the platform of the 6 Series, the CS Vintage Concept combines a modern surface treatment with a number of trademark BMW styling cues. In addition to the already mentioned arrow-shaped hood and twin headlights, the profile features the typical silhouette with the cabin slightly pushed back, the Hofmeister kink on the side windows and the flanks defined by horizontal character lines.

Among the distinctive design elements is the front layout, with the kidney grille separated from the headlight fascia, which is visually matched by a horizontal air intake at the bottom.

The clean surface treatment and the prevalence of horizontal lines give the CS Vintage Concept a rétro look that has its roots in the brand’s recent history.

An additional feature is the presence of many details inspired by nautical styling solutions.

The interior design is minimalist with simple lines and high quality materials such as wood or hand-stitched leather.

As David Obendorfer explains, “It lacks references to the BMW coupés of the 60s such as the four circular instruments that on the CS Vintage Concept become four small TFT screens two of which are freely programmable.”