One such example was the convertible based on the early-1990s BMW M5. The car had been fully developed and was being prepared for its public debut, but company executives decided to cancel it just days before the presentation. Its story shows how strategic decisions can change the fate of even a production-ready model.
The Birth of the M5 Legend
The first-generation BMW M5 arrived in 1984 and quickly became an iconic car. At the time, the sedan was considered the world's fastest production four-door car. Its strong performance and relatively limited production run made it particularly appealing to buyers.
Although approximately 2,241 cars were sold, demand exceeded the company's expectations. BMW ultimately extended production, upsetting some customers who had expected the car to remain more exclusive.
Development of the Second Generation
The next M5 generation, known by its E34 chassis code, was developed under a more ambitious program. Alongside the sedan, the lineup gained a station wagon, an unusual body style for a high-performance car in this class. BMW engineers also considered another unconventional variant: a convertible.
The project went far beyond sketches. The company built a fully functional prototype with a power-operated soft top. The car was completed and scheduled to appear at the Geneva International Motor Show.
The Project Was Canceled Before Its Debut
Despite completing development, BMW management stopped the project at the last minute. According to available information, the decision was made about a week before the car's planned presentation.
The main reason cited was concern that an M5 convertible could affect sales of open-top versions of the BMW 3 Series. The company reportedly believed the more expensive and powerful model might draw away some of that demand.
However, the car's expected price was said to be around $70,000, significantly more than the smaller-series convertibles. As a result, the extent to which the models would actually have competed remains open to debate.
Technical Details of the Prototype
The M5 Cabriolet was based on the E34 and powered by a 3.8-liter inline-six engine producing approximately 340 horsepower.
The engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission that sent power to the rear wheels. The body structure was modified to accommodate a hydraulically operated folding soft top.
To make room for the roof mechanism, engineers had to lengthen the trunk area. Even so, the car retained enough luggage capacity for four occupants, in keeping with the idea of a high-performance yet practical vehicle.
What Happened to the Car
After the project was canceled, the prototype remained in the company's private collection for many years. It was only much later that BMW displayed the car publicly alongside other experimental models developed by its M division.
Interestingly, the next-generation M5, the E39, was also uncertain at one stage of its development. BMW ultimately continued the model line, and the E39 became one of its most successful versions, gaining a V8 engine and a substantially larger production run.
Conclusion
The BMW M5 Cabriolet shows how close some projects come to production without ever reaching the market. Despite the completed car and finished development work, BMW's strategic considerations led to the model's cancellation. Today, the prototype remains an intriguing chapter in the company's history and an example of how differently the celebrated M5 line might have evolved.
