1973 BMW 3.0 CSI

With BMW looking to push the marque further upmarket, the combination of their bahn-storming six cylinder engine and a pretty but underpowered Coupé in its portfolio, it was almost inevitable that the two would get together. The resulting E9 Coupé is one of BMW's best ever Coupés. British buyers had to wait until 1969 before they could sample the new car and shortly after, in 1971, the 3.0 CS made its debut with another 10bhp and more torque for better flexibility. This year also saw the introduction of this car - the 3.0 CSI fuel injected version, and with more power it became BMW's first 200bhp plus machine. It was always an expensive machine at some £6,000 when new in 1971 - that would have bought you a Porsche 911 of the period or even an entry-level Ferrari. In recent years, prices of its big brother, the legendary CSL have rapidly risen to a whole new league with the CSI's tipped to follow, particularly when you consider there were less than half of the UK right hand drive CSI's built.

One of only 207 right hand drive 3.0 CSi UK models, this car was first registered in August 1973 and finished in the same colour as today, Fjord blue. Used regularly and well maintained it was just a 3 owner car from new until being taken off the road and put in to classic car storage in 1992.

Then acquired in 2005 by a BMW Master technician, who is an avid fan of the brand, it took him 6 years to fully restore and rebuild the car in to the amazing machine that exists today. The car was fully stripped and restored with new front wings, bonnet, front panel, boot lid and doors and then resprayed in it's original colour of Fjord blue. The engine, gearbox and diff were replaced with the ultra desirable engine and transmission from an early 90's BMW M5 (E34), which itself was then fully rebuilt by our Master technician who incorporated Schrick cams in to the blueprinted engine, which now gives 325 BHP. The original close ratio 5 speed gearbox was also retained and a new clutch fitted.

Additionally, the electric Recaro seats from the M5 were fitted front and rear although great care was taken to keep the outside totally standard with no give away as to what was underpinning the car in order to create a tasteful undercover wolf in sheep's clothing! Period 16 inch Alpina wheels hide the upgraded vented disc brakes and the Bilstein suspension all round which combine to make one of the best handling/ride compromises your scribe has ever witnessed in a classic car.

This car, now the property of Silverstone Auctions owner, Nick Whale, has covered less than 3000 miles since it's rebuild. So exceptional is the standard of preperation that this car was once recently offered by the renowned classic Jaguar specialist, JD Classics of Maldon, for £47,500 which makes the guide price today seem very realistic indeed. "Totally reliable and an absolute pleasure to drive and own for the past 12 months" was Nick's summary in September 2013 and we have no reason to doubt him! A new MOT will be done in time for the sale and Nick would be delighted to hear directly from any interested parties.

Finally there is a comprehensive history file, complete with original hand books and service wallet, many old MOT's, photograph's of the car over the years and during the restoration and a CD Rom of the service and diagnostics manual unique to the car.