Insight: BMW 635 CSi No.18 Marc Duez Philip Verellen Raijmond van Hove 8th 24H Spa 1987
Overview of the BMW 635 CSi No.18
The BMW 635 CSi No.18, driven by the skilled trio of Marc Duez, Philip Verellen, and Raijmond van Hove to an eighth-place finish at the 1987 24 Hours of Spa, is a notable entry in the BMW E24 6 Series racing legacy. Prepared by BMW Italia, this M635CSi variant featured a tuned 3.5-liter inline-six engine delivering around 286 horsepower, enhanced with racing modifications for endurance challenges. Its sleek design, combined with a reinforced chassis and aerodynamic refinements, made it a competitive force in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC), reflecting BMW’s motorsport ambition in the late 1980s.
Performance at the 1987 24 Hours of Spa
The 1987 24 Hours of Spa showcased the BMW 635 CSi No.18’s durability, with Duez, Verellen, and van Hove securing eighth place over the demanding 7.004 km Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Facing tough competition from rivals like the Ford Sierra RS500 and Jaguar XJS, the car’s performance relied on strategic driving and pit work, navigating the circuit’s iconic corners and variable weather conditions. This result contributed to BMW’s strong presence in the ETCC, building on the 635 CSi’s earlier victories at Spa in 1983, 1985, and 1986, highlighting its enduring racing pedigree.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The BMW 635 CSi No.18 holds a respected place in motorsport history, driven by the experienced Marc Duez—known for his multiple Spa 24 Hours wins—and the talented Verellen and van Hove. Its eighth-place finish in 1987 added to the E24 platform’s legacy, which evolved from a grand tourer into the celebrated "Bayern-Express" M635CSi. The car’s success in the 1980s, including ETCC manufacturers’ titles, underscores BMW’s engineering excellence and the thrilling era of touring car racing. This entry remains a cherished symbol of Belgian and European motorsport heritage.
