If the imminent BMW M760Li xDrive with its 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 looks like a bonkers limo, then note this sixteen-cylinder manual-equipped 7 Series prototype from 1987.

You read that right – BMW Classic has delivered these images of an E32-generation 750i prototype that swapped out its M70-designation 5.0-litre V12, before it had another four cylinders welded on and returned to the engine bay as a 6.65-litre V16 petrol engine.

BMW 7 Series V16 rear

Work started in July 1987 and BMW’s engineers had by December worked out a way to fit so many cylinders under the bonnet.

BMW 7 Series V16 manual engine

Perhaps the coolest fact in the dual-clutch automatic-obsessed world was the replacement of the 750i’s four-speed automatic with the six-speed manual from the 8 Series coupe.

BMW 7 Series V16 side scoops

Of course from the second quarter of this year BMW will launch locally its latest-generation 7 Series in range-topping M760Li form complete with 448kW/800Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.7sec and a $449,000 plus on-road costs pricetag. Progress, and all.

BMW 7 Series V16 manual boot