In 1969, at the Geneva motorshow Bertone and BMW have launched the world unique Spicup Convertible Coupe Concept. This legendary classic car was preserved perfectly and recently was on display at the Villa d'Este design contest and in the BMW museum. In these circumstances is understandable that the Spicup concept generated big waves of interest when it was put up for auction by the famous auction house Bonham during a special event named "Power by BMW". Although many might be tempted to believe that this is just a car made to be displayed, Spicup Convertible Coupe was initially meant to be a street car.
During the 1960s BMW enjoyed a close relationship with Carrozzeria Bertone, whose star designer Giorgetto Giugiaro had been responsible for the 3200CS coupé, so when the Italian coachbuilder wanted to showcase engineer Enzo Cingolani's idea for a retractable roof, it was to the German firm that they turned. The 'Spicup' (Spider/Coupé) was the result. BMW's E3 saloon platform was chosen, the example supplied to Bertone having the 2.8-litre version of the SOHC straight-six engine installed. The chassis was numbered 'V. 0010' - the V standing for Versuchswagen (experimental car). Its futuristic appearance notwithstanding, the Spicup's main talking point was its novel roof, which consisted of stainless steel panels that retracted into the hefty roll bar. Although the idea never made it to production, it did influence the lines of Bertone's Targa-top FIAT X1/9. With Giugiaro off to Carrozzeria Ghia, it was left to Marcello Gandini to finish the Spicup, incorporating what for a time was his signature front end with its part-concealed headlamps, seen also in the Alfa Romeo Montreal and Lamborghini Jarama.
All the factors together made this car to be sold today on the auction for a price of 612,000 dollars. After 1969, Spicup concept was sold to a Dutch guy that displeased by the original green color decide to paint the car in an orange shade. Also he used this BMW daily for some time of grand total 60,000 miles and without meaning he broke a world record this car becoming the only car made in only one exemplary and to be used so much. This car brought back to light after 20 years of anonymity got restored, got back the original color and the engine was also restored. All this restoration and stuff brought up the price a lot. BMW Spicup Convertible Coupe was build on the platform of the old 2000CS and its powered by 2.5 Liter six cylinder engine. At this auction where this unique BMW was sold also less unique BMW's were sold like: BMW 3.0CSL (73')- 466,000 dollars, BMW M1 Pro-Car - 666,000 dollars and last but not least BMW 328 Roadster ('37) - 666,000 dollars.
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