“This isn’t just an additional model to the 1 Series range, we’ve been planning the Coupé since the start”, begins a straight-talking Chris Bangle at the unveiling of the new sports model at Frankfurt.

“This is an important car. The very concept of the 1 Series was originally derived from a coupé concept – just ask Adrian.”

By whom he obviously means BMW brand design director Adrian van Hooydonk, who confirms the group’s chief of design’s claim.

“Yes, right from the definition of the 1 Series, a three-box coupé was already on the cards.

It had to have an evident boot distinguishing it from the fastback three-door, which is built on the same architecture as the five-door.”

The article continues in Auto & Design no. 167

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