Hands up who thinks time has finally been kind to the E63 BMW 6 Series? The Z9 concept-inspired coupe was met with mixed reaction at its reveal in 2002, thanks largely to that Marmite rear, nicknamed the 'Bangle Butt' in reference to then BMW design boss, Chris Bangle. But after 17 years - and the coming of the SUV - we'd go so far as to suggest that the then-daring design has aged well. Either way it stands out.
Whether or not you think it handsome, the E63 brings plenty to the table. It ranked as the sportiest two-door in BMW's line-up during the last decade, with the old 8 Series having not made it into the 21st century. This being the good old days, it was given a proper engine line-up, too, with nothing fewer than six inline cylinders under the bonnet and a thumping V10 M6 at the top - a car which came with those alluring links to BMW's F1 campaign (via Williams).
Arguably, though, it was the lazy yet muscular 650i that provided us with a finer blend of E63 6 Series traits. With BMW's naturally-aspirated 4.8-litre V8 at its heart, the 2006 model gets 362hp and 361lb ft of torque out of the box. In most cases, the N62 motor comes coupled to a BMW automatic, but a few buyers went against the trend and opted to stick with the standard fit six-speed manual.
Back then it must have seemed odd - even the M6 was SMG-only in the UK - but today, the hero status of these cars needs no further explanation. Elsewhere the E63 was hailed as a fine handling machine. Its E60 5 Series-shared underpinnings provide a nice mix of composure and comfort, while the muscle of a big eight-cylinder means you're never more than a throttle squeeze away from some rear-axle playfulness.
The M6 turns the wick up considerably in terms of outright performance and appearance, but the 650i holds out as arguably the best grand touring option in the E63-gen range. It's certainly quick enough: 62mph comes in 5.5 seconds and top speed is limited to 155mph.
Opting for a convertible E64 6 Series somewhat hinders those touring abilities thanks to the obvious negatives, like reduced insulation and structural rigidity. But it also better exposes occupants to the low frequency tones of that V8 engine, which now feels all the more significant due to the growing rarity of such an experience. This 09-plate car (production ended in 2010 so it's a late one) has 77,707 miles on the clock, a figure you'd expect it to absorb without too much complaint. As such, it's up for £13k, Bangle Butt 'n' all.
SPECIFICATION - BMW 650I CONVERTIBLE (E64)
Engine: 4,799cc, V8
Power (hp): 367@6,300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 361@3,400rpm
MPG: 23.7
CO2: 286g/km
Year registered: 2009
Recorded mileage: 77,707
Price new: £53,965 (coupe)
Yours for: £12,999
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