1972 BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)

The 3.0 CSL is a lightweight, performance-oriented version of the standard 3.0 CS/3.0 CSi coupé. Utilising the E9 platform, the 3.0 CSL was unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show and was introduced in May 1972 as an homologation model for the German Touring Car Championship developed by a separate division within BMW AG, a division that would later become BMW Motorsport GmbH.

A total of 1,096 CSLs were built, with just 500 of these being imported into the UK and the great majority of these had the 'City Package' option fitted, designed to make the 3.0 CSL more usable as a daily driver. These versions retained the standard interior trim, negating the total weight saving somewhat, but the other benefits were retained, including the aero kit, thinner gauge steel and aluminium parts. Early CSLs, produced in late 1971 and early 1972, utilised the standard 2,985cc M30 inline-six engine with twin carburettors and were only offered in left-hand drive. They were replaced by a fuel-injected model displacing 3,003cc available in right-hand drive during late 1972 and early 1973. Fuel-injected CSLs with the 3-litre engine have VINs that run from 2275001 through 2275429 (left-hand drive version) and 2285-001 through 2285-500 (right-hand drive UK cars).

The superb CSL on offer here does indeed fit into that VIN range meaning that it is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive, 3003cc, fuel-injected CSL. Its very early history is unknown but since 1999, it’s well documented. In 1999, it was believed to have had three owners and was consigned to a Bonhams Sale with an estimate of £5,000- £7,000. It was purchased by Jack Kennedy of Lincoln, apparently in restored condition with an MOT and he used the car until September 2012 when it was laid up. Subsequently, he sold it in 2016 to First Classics - by then needing work, and they got it through an MOT. On 12th October 2016, our vendor purchased the car from First Classics and although roadworthy, it wasn’t great so the decision was taken to send it for a full 'every last nut and bolt' restoration.

In our vendor’s words:

'When acquired for £70,000, the car was MOT’d and drove well but was 'tired' with c. 90,000 miles on the clock. It was dispatched to Mitchell Motors at Chicklade (who had previously restored other cars for me) and whose work is forensic and exemplary. Following a complete strip to a bare shell, the car was thoroughly repaired removing lower sections of wings, sills etc, to access known rot traps and similarly door skins were removed and replaced and the car had previously had other panels replaced. The entire shell was media blasted before a multilayer paint finish applied to standards in excess of factory build. The bodywork cavities have also been Dinitrol-treated for longevity.

All mechanical aspects were approached in a similar manner. A 5-speed, close-ratio gearbox was fitted (but the original 4-speed is also included with the car and can easily be refitted if required), and the car was sent to Munich Legends for the engine to be rebuilt and re-commissioning work (over £20,000 alone).

The interior woodwork was refinished to restore the correct colour, stripping off old varnish that had yellowed with age, and the seats were re-upholstered in correct fabric by K Baggs, Trimmers in Poole with correct new carpets also fitted throughout. A new front screen was also fitted and the correct wheels refurbished and fitted with Michelin XWX tyres.

The total cost of the restoration was well over £120,000 and invoices are on file.'

This work was completed in 2022 and, as well as running and driving well, it looks stunning in gleaming Fjord Blue with that evocative black leather and velour cabin. The original toolkit is still in the boot lid and the dealers book pack is present in its plastic wallet with the owners manual, manual for the electric aerial, and a handbook for the Sony Unit now fitted into a bespoke extension in the centre console to give the benefit of Apple CarPlay for music and SatNav functions, etc.

The CSL has formed part of our vendor’s Collection and has been used sparingly in the summer months. The car looks fabulous, the quality of this restoration is beyond the level usually seen, and we invite and encourage your viewing of this remarkable ‘Coupé Sport Leicht’ at our Silverstone Festival sale.