1973 BMW 3.0 (E9) CSL

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. The CSL achieved some great results, with wins at Le Mans in the touring car class in 1973 and 1974, the IMSA GT Championship in 1975 and winning the European Touring Car Championships every year from 1973 to 1979 (apart from a minor blip in 1974). The 'L' in the designation meant leicht (light), unlike in other BMW designations, where it meant lang (long).

A total of 1,096 CSLs were built, with just 500 of these being imported into the UK. The great majority of UK cars 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 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 motor have VINs that run from 2275001 through 2275429 (left-hand drive version) and 2285-001 through 2285-500 (right-hand drive UK cars).

On offer here, #2285-236 is a fine example of these 3,003cc UK, right-hand drive cars and was sold new in the UK on 21st March 1973. In 2011, it was subject to a full bare-metal restoration and painted in the period correct colour of Taiga Green by 355 Automobile Restorations International whilst at the same time, the engine, gearbox and other mechanicals were rebuilt by Ferrari Specialists SMDG. The comprehensive history file contains a record of the rebuild and earlier receipts form BMW specialist Jaymic, BMW Guildford and Munich Spares. The interior remains in great condition having been retrimmed and the signature wood veneer restored to a high level.

It was purchased by our vendor in 2017 and has been used sparingly since. Recent work for a new MOT by marque specialists Everything M3s and Rabsport Engineering has included new tyres, wheel bearing adjustment, front caliper rebuilds and a new battery.

This lovely, stylish BMW 3.0 CSL Coupé in glorious Taiga Green represents a fine example of the car that defined Touring Cars in the 1970s and 50 years later, still has a presence that few cars can match.