Exterior Features, Quality:
With an engine that produced nearly four hundred horsepower, and three wins in the European Touring Car Championship (in 1981, 1983, and 1986), the 635CSi racer was a legend then and and is still one now, representing an era in BMW's impressive racing history. In the minds of many BMW aficionados, it was the 635CSi that set the standard for all BMWs to follow, and it was the car that established the BMW name in performance.
This was one of Anson's last models before bankruptcy, and it represents the racing 635CSi: however, Anson's replica does not represent a particular racer, but combines bits from various racing 635CSis. This makes no sense to me and really spoils the point of the model, although it is not noticeable that the livery is unauthentic. Still, it's done really well, with tampoes used instead of plain stickers. The "X-ray" theme is done brilliantly and the race stripes and numbers are excellent. On the stripes, there are slight inconsistencies with the paint, but this is not noticeable until the model is very up close.
The front lights are - literally - crossed out, and while it may seem weird, this may have been done for race purposes. The radiator and grille are not perforated but textured. Side turning lights are pretty well done but they do have fairly noticeable attachment stubs. The front spoiler is really nicely finished although the inlets are not perforated or textured. Still, this looks very good.
Anson replicated the gold wire wheels very well, with a real BMW logo in the center. Curiously, no brake discs or calipers are present. However, the most horrendous thing on the model is the quality of the tires, which are imitation racing slicks. While they are marked (Pirelli), they feel too much like plastic and lack any realistic features. Too bad, but don't let that sour you on the model. Still, other problems arise, such as the poor quality of the decals used on the exterior rearview mirrors. The mirrors themselves seem to be made out of rubber, for what reason, I cannot explain.
Rear lights are a bit more realistic than the fronts with actual colored pieces used to represent the various light pieces. Although it's not very impressive, it works, especially for a budget model. The Pirelli license plate (did it need one?) is accurately applied. The chrome exhaust tips are well executed but they're not hollow, although Anson's method is better than most. One more thing to add is about the badges, which are surprisingly all separate pieces and very well done! Overall, pretty good, if it weren't for the livery confusion.
17/25
Interior Features, Quality:
Obviously, to save weight, race interiors have to be pretty simple and down-to-earth. This interior is no exception, but while most race interiors are dark, dreary things, the 635CSi's inner compartment is bright red, accented with black - thanks to the 80s, of course. There is only one chair in the interior, and it is surprisingly done very well, with an incredibly realistic material that is soft and textured, and realistic size and shape. Also, darkish red seatbelts are included, but they're applied to the chair, unfortunately. The red floor is not carpeted, although Anson tried to replicate some floor mats, but they are not textured and pretty unrealistic. The dashboard is reasonably detailed, and frankly, better than I expected. Stickers and molding are used to replicate the various parts of the dash. A full roll-cage is included, as well as a fairly basic fire extinguisher (compare with Exoto's, and you'll see the difference between a good model and a true work of art). Still, very nicely done: this is one of the model's best aspects.
23/25
Features
The 635CSi features an opening hood, doors, and trunk. The hood opens to reveal the 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine that made this car so feared on the racetracks. The engine is reasonably detailed but could be more so - in fact, scratch that, should be more so. Still, some info stickers are located around the engine compartment and some attempts at plumbing are present. The doors sit on old-style hinges (dogleg), which are a bit unrealistic, but very easy to open. Most modelmakers have switched to more realistic hinges, and for the better. The trunk compartment is nothing special: it's not carpeted, but it is well finished and looks proper.
23/25
Value:
Anson's 635CSi is surely an interesting subject, getting into the European touring cars of the mid 80s. It's too bad that Anson isn't around to produce the correctly liveried 635CSis and its competitors. However, the fact that Anson isn't around any more can benefit the 635CSi's eventual value. Anson models have been known to be appreciate highly after years of production. Even though Anson used to have good distribution, their models are still considered rare and desirable by many. It will, then, not surprise me if the 635CSi model, in a few years, will be worth more than what you pay for it in the beginning. Anson offers other versions of the 635CSi than this race version, including the street version, which is offered in blue, silver, or plain white, which is the rarest of the three. As this is a budget model, the detail for price component is quite good, and is only enhanced by Anson's demise.
23/25
Overall:
The word that best sums up this model is "unique". You might also venture "incorrect", as the race livery used here is a not entirely authentic. Still, this is another interesting and "must-get" model for BMW fans, not only because of its importance in BMW's past and present, but because of its surprising quality and low price. Granted, the model is lacking in detail and has a few rough edges (literally, when talking about the tires), but it is still a good model, and definitely recommended by yours truly. It is a bit sad to see Anson go: while their models were never very detailed, they were incredibly unique and desirable. And desirable the 635CSi is...even though it's not that well done.
