In fact, what I got was a BMW of old. Or, at least, as much of a BMW of old as one can manage in a 2,128-kilogram convertible.

A rare BMW convertible could be worth a fortune in just a few years Credit: Alamy That includes a rare BMW convertible and two super iconic sports cars loved by rally fans of the 1990s and 2000s.

Proportionally, the BMW 3-Series is downright perfect. That sizing perfection is retained when the 3-Series roof is dropped into its storage well by depressing a single console-mounted button.

There was a resurgence in the 1950s, but convertibles were still heavy and clunky and handled poorly; by the mid-1970s, once air-conditioning caught on, their sales barely registered.

The BMW 435i F33 Convertible is driven on the Autobahn, showing onboard acceleration and kickdown performance. This video ...