1976 BMW Karmann Asso di Quadri (ItalDesign)

The BMW Asso di Quadri concept was penned by Giugiaro at the request of coachbuilder Karman. Based on a BMW 320 (e21), it featured a realistic silhouette that was loosely inspired by both the Volkswagen Scirocco and the 2002 Touring. The Asso di Quadri was designed to join the BMW lineup as a regular production car but the Munich-based automaker turned down the project because it was busily trying to move up a notch on the market and fight head-to-head against Mercedes-Benz.

In retrospect, a full-production coupe inspired by the Asso di Quadri could have loosely previewed the E36 and E46 Compact models sold in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Body architecture: 2+2-seat

Overall dimensions (mm): length 4325, width 1650, height 1240

Wheelbase, front and rear track: 2653, 1396, 1409

Front and rear overhang: 972, 700

Engine position and drive: front longitudinal engine, rear drive

Engine: BMW 320 4 cylinder in line, 1990 cc/cm3, 109 HP at 6000 rpm