Carlex Design’s 1986 BMW 635 CLX restomod is a limited-edition masterpiece blending classic BMW elegance with contemporary luxury.
Carlex Design, a name synonymous with luxury car makeovers, has just unveiled a project that’s a true homage to classic beauty blended with modern sophistication. It has taken the iconic 1986 BMW 635, a model revered by car enthusiasts for its sleek lines and timeless design, and transformed it into something even more special. The best part? Only seven of these beauties, named BMW 635 CLX, will grace the roads, making them an exclusive collector’s dream.
The first thing you’ll notice about the 635 CLX is its exterior. Carlex has masterfully maintained the classic BMW silhouette, ensuring that the car’s original charm is untouched. It steered clear of modern tricks like LED headlights, instead opting to retain the original clusters that complement the car’s small kidney grille perfectly. Even the turn signals, fog lamps, and taillights hark back to the BMW’s classic era. The new wheels are a particular highlight – a classy three-piece set crafted from aluminum and stainless steel, designed to suit both the car’s model and its era. Each panel of the BMW is dressed in a sleek black paint job, with chrome trim providing a striking contrast.
But it’s inside the cabin where Carlex’s craftsmanship truly shines. The seats, center console, dashboard, door panels, and even the rear chairs are all wrapped in sumptuously patinated brown leather, a process that lends the upholstery an elegantly aged look. And it’s not just about the leather; even the instrument dials are now encased in it, with hand-polished steel needles adding a touch of sophistication.
Carlex hasn’t just focused on aesthetics; it has also enhanced comfort. The seats, based on the original frames, are now packed with firmer, more compact foam, ensuring a more comfortable and ergonomic ride. The steering wheel, too, boasts intricate stitching inspired by high-end luxury goods.
What about the tech? Well, Carlex has cleverly balanced old and new. The classic radio facade remains, but it’s now upgraded for modern connectivity, including smartphone integration. It’s hooked up to a state-of-the-art audio system featuring an eight-channel amplifier, custom speakers hidden in the door cards, and subwoofers under the rear seat.
Under the hood, the 635 CLX retains the classic BMW S38 inline-six engine, which is perfect for its luxurious nature. However, Carlex has tweaked the suspension to enhance the car’s sportiness without sacrificing comfort. It’s keeping the details under wraps but promises the car can handle corners with precision while still offering a comfy ride.
The creation of each BMW 635 CLX is a labor of love, requiring over 1,200 hours of work. This is significantly more than the roughly 340 hours Carlex typically spends on their projects. Each of these limited-edition examples also comes with a certificate of authenticity and unique badging to mark its exclusivity.
In a way, the BMW 635 CLX by Carlex Design stands as a beautiful reminder of how the two can come together in harmony. It’s a car that doesn’t just move you; it transports you to an era of elegance, with a touch of today’s comfort and technology. For the lucky few who get their hands on one, it’s not just a car; it’s a jewel on wheels.
Gallery: 1986 BMW 635 CLX by Carlex Design
