For its 15th anniversary, Kith unveils a vibrant celebration of classic design with two iconic BMW coupes. Courtesy of Ronnie Fieg, these vehicles — a 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi and a 1987 BMW M6 — have been meticulously restored and coated in BMW’s archival Inka Orange. Originally introduced in 1971, this vivid shade highlights the brand’s rich history, serving as the perfect link between these two eras. This strikingly restored color captures the essence of BMW’s timeless appeal.
A Journey Through Time with Vibrant Paintwork
Inka Orange first appeared on the BMW 02 Series, and now it breathes new life into both the E9 and E24 models. The 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi underwent a comprehensive frame-off restoration. Its entire body was stripped to bare metal, then treated and repainted. Authentic components, including the M30 engine and original suspension, were sourced from BMW archives to ensure the historical accuracy of the refurbishment.
Inside, a luxurious caramel leather decorates the cabin with the Kith monogram imprinted on the seats, striking a balance between contemporary luxury and vintage appeal.
A Tale of Two Coupes
The story of these two restorations continues with the 1987 BMW M6. Despite the 15-year gap between its production and that of the 3.0 CSi, the M6 shares the same Inka Orange and caramel interior. This continuity highlights the evolution of BMW’s design language, from the classic lines of the E9 to the dynamic silhouette of the E24, further emphasized by the vibrant hue.
The M6’s restoration involved mounting the car on a rotisserie to strip it completely before rebuilding. It retains its original S38 engine, paired with a Getrag five-speed manual transmission—a testament to precision and craftsmanship within the context of the rejuvenated color.
Colors and Histories Intertwined
Inka Orange connects these vehicles not only to each other but to their era. On the 3.0 CSi, the hue feels integral to its 1970s roots. For the M6, it creates a bridge back to its predecessor’s time, making both restorations not just historical but artistic explorations of color and form through this distinctive shade.
This color journey is part of Kith and BMW’s ongoing collaboration, with previous shades like Cinnabar Red and Techno Violet. These projects have influenced a broader collection of Kith for BMW apparel and accessories, available globally starting August 17th.
Through these cars, Fieg achieves a rare blend of restoration and innovation. The Inka Orange not only revives these classics but reframes them, inviting a reevaluation of the timelessness in BMW’s design evolution, enhanced by the signature color.
The vibrant colors of the Inka Orange restoration may remind fans of another colorful debut, RIMOWA’s Ink Blue luggage line, making a bold statement in design.
The caramel interiors with embossed details create a seamless visual thread between the two models, emphasizing how certain elements remain timeless despite years apart. This juxtaposition of old and new provides a unique perspective on the essence of BMW’s engineering and aesthetic vision, all wrapped in this iconic shade.
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Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of Inka Orange in the BMW restorations?
Inka Orange highlights BMW’s rich history, first introduced in 1971. It connects the 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi and the 1987 BMW M6, bridging eras and showcasing the evolution of BMW’s design.
How were the BMW classics restored for Kith’s anniversary?
The 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi underwent a frame-off restoration with its body stripped to bare metal and repainted, using authentic components from BMW archives. The 1987 BMW M6 was mounted on a rotisserie for a complete strip and rebuild, retaining its original S38 engine and Getrag transmission.
What interior features were included in the restored BMWs?
Both BMW models feature a luxurious caramel leather interior with the Kith monogram imprinted on the seats. This creates a seamless visual link between the two models, balancing contemporary luxury with vintage appeal.