To celebrate the 15th anniversary of lifestyle and fashion brand Kith, founder Ronnie Fieg has fully rebuilt two classic BMW coupes in the brand’s iconic 1971 "Inka Orange" hue. Separated by exactly 15 years, a 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi (E9) and a 1987 BMW M6 (E24) form the automotive centerpiece of the fourth collaboration between the two brands.
Details of the Classic Car Restoration
In this latest installment of the Kith and BMW partnership, two distinct generations of grand tourers (GTs) are brought together under a unified color palette. Following previous concept colors in the series—such as Cinnabar Red, Vitality Green, and Techno Violet—this time, an orange tone tracing its historical roots back to the 02 Series was chosen.
The body of the 1972 BMW 3.0 CSi (E9) was stripped down to bare metal, subjected to an electrophoretic deposition (KTL) coating, and completely overhauled. Reassembled using parts sourced from original BMW archives, the car features an M30 straight-six engine, transmission, rear axle, suspension, and braking system. Inside, the era's character is preserved through caramel-colored leather upholstery embossed with the Kith monogram, along with restored gauges and wooden trim.
Design Evolution from the E9 to the E24
The E24 6 Series, which followed the cessation of E9 production in 1975, serves as a direct continuation of the lineage. Ronnie Fieg reimagined the 1987 M6 E24 with the same Inka Orange exterior and caramel interior combination. Compared to the elegant, thin-pillar structure of the E9, the M6’s longer nose, sharper lines, and deep front spoiler allow the same color to take on a distinctly different character. The E24 M6—which also resides in Fieg’s personal collection—is described by the designer as "BMW’s most classically designed model."
Industry Reflections and Design Philosophy
Representing the intersection of automotive design and streetwear culture, this special project demonstrates how period-correct color palettes can be blended with modern curation in classic car restoration. Moving beyond mass production into fully bespoke archival projects, such initiatives offer an effective strategy for brands to connect their heritage with contemporary audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Inka Orange chosen for this special Kith and BMW collaboration series?
This color was chosen to celebrate Kith’s 15th anniversary and, for the fourth partnership in the series, to leverage BMW’s deep color archives to showcase the design evolution between two different generations through a single tone.
Were original parts retained in the technical components of the vehicles involved in the project?
Yes, particularly in the 1972 3.0 CSi model, the restoration was carried out using original M30 straight-six engines, transmissions, suspensions, and braking components sourced directly from BMW archives.
*This article has been prepared based on data published by Designboom.
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