Description
We proudly present this beautiful BMW 3. 0 CSL, finished in the original colour of Ceylon Gold Metallic with Black Vinyl interior trim and Black corded Seats by Scheel.
Sold new in the UK and first registered in Grimsby on 6th June 1973.
Delivered with the ‘City Package’ options of electric windows, power assisted steering, Scheel sports seats, alloy wheels, tool kit and aluminium bonnet, boot lid and door skins, and chrome front and rear bumpers.
By 1982, the BMW 3. 0 CSL was owned by Mr Brian Chamberlain in Stokenham, Devon, looking at the history file that accompanies the car there was a lot of money spent, looking after the car, with numerous invoices for works carried out from the 1980's through to the 1990's.
In recent years, Stephen Day of Days Autos in Brentwood, Essex, recovered the BMW from a Devon barn where it had been stored for many years and sold it in 2019 in need of restoration.
The buyer sent the car for a full restoration, to Marque Specialist who undertook the work which was completed September 2020, the works carried out totalled £90, 000 according to the invoice on file.
The car was sold to a collector in 2022 who spent a further £20, 000 on the car.
MODEL HISTORY & PRODUCTION
The E9 BMW 3. 0 CSL unveiled in 1971 at the Geneva Motor Show was a special homologation built to make the car eligible for racing in the European Touring Car Championship.
Production ran from May 1971 to October 1975, with a total of 1, 265 produced.
The ‘L’ in BMW designation usually denotes ‘long’ but in the case of the 3. 0 CSL, it meant leicht (light) The weight loss was achieved by manufacturing the unit body in a thinner steel, and using aluminium for the bonnet, doors and boot lid. Perspex was used for the side windows and much of the trim and sound proofing was removed. This all equalled a 200kg weight saving over the standard car.
The 500 3. 0 CSLs exported to the United Kingdom were not quite as light as the others. These were fitted with the optional ‘City Package’ which retained more of the conveniences of the standard car, including electric windows, front bumpers, power steering, sound dampening, rear defrost and tool kit.
With its engine based on the 3. 0 CSi, the straight 6 fuel-injected 178hp 3. 0 CSL was given a very small increase in displacement to 3, 003cc – by increasing the engine bore by a mere quarter of a millimetre to 89. 25mm, allowed the CSL to compete in the ‘over 3. 0-litre’ racing category.
In 1973, the final 203hp, 3. 153cc version of the 3. 0 CSL came with an aerodynamic package featuring a large air dam, a spoiler above the trailing edge of the roof, and an oversize rear wing. Such large wings were illegal on German roads, so rather than being fitted during production, they were simply left in the boot for installation after purchase. As a result of this conspicuous aero package, the racing CSLs become known as the ‘Batmobile’.
Throughout the 1970s these Batmobiles dominated the European Touring Car Championships, winning 6 titles.
The Summary
Everyone knows the BMW 3. 0 CSL is a contender for the title of ultimate 1970s sports coupe, but this one is a little bit different from how most people remember them. As a right-hand drive British-market car with the ‘City Package’, it really does offer the perfect blend of luxury and performance, without harming the urbane looks of the original 3. 0 CS. What’s more, with only 500 such cars built, it’s one of the rarest BMWs you can buy.
One of the most desirable and collectible Classic BMWs.
This vehicle is available for viewing at our Showroom in Shrewsbury Shropshire and would suit an enthusiast or collector.
Please call for more details.
