1973 BMW E9 3.0 CSL

Engine: 2985cc

Transmission:  Manual

Steering:  RHD (Right Hand Drive)

Mileage: 88.838 miles / 142.140 KM

Colour: BMW Golf Yellow (non-metallic)

Interior: Black Velour/Leatherette

Seller: Drive Classics on behalf of a client

Price: £119,995

ABOUT THE CAR

We are delighted to offer this rare BMW E9 3.0 CSL manufactured on 5th December 1972 and first registered on 1st of August 1973. Presented in its current and fabulous colour combination of BMW Golf Yellow paint over ‘Scheel’ black leatherette/velour interior it is an opportunity not to be missed.

Our manual BMW 3.0 CSL has been subjected to advanced restoration project in the past which resulted in rectification of any body and paint imperfections as well as replacement of all necessary, worn or faulty parts in the vehicle making it one of the best examples on the market today.

This motor vehicle is extremely well kept and maintained and comes with brand new and period correct Michelin tyres, new-‘old’ Blaupunkt radio-receiver and many new and replaced parts, including the often-temperamental window switches.

Originally fitted with the ‘City Pack’ inclusive of central locking, four electric windows and power steering this automobile is a dream cruiser capable of transporting four passengers in a truly classic style. With its extremely capable 3.0CSL six cylinder specification the car can be enjoyed with plenty of excitment.

Our client had his time with the car and is now ready for the interested parties to look after his pride and joy.

MODEL HISTORY

The BMW E9 is a range of coupés produced from 1968 to 1975. Initially released as the 2800 CS model, the E9 was based on the BMW 2000 C / 2000 CS four-cylinder coupés, which were enlarged to fit the BMW M30 six-cylinder engine. The E9 bodywork was built by Karmann.

As a racing car, the E9 was very successful in the European Touring Car Championship and the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft, especially the 3.0 CSL homologation model.

3.0 CSL

Introduced in May 1972, the 3.0 CSL was a homologation special built to make the car eligible for racing in the European Touring Car Championship. 1,265 were built.

The “L” in the designation meant leicht (light), unlike in other BMW designations, where it meant lang (long). The lightness was achieved by using thinner steel to build the unit body, deleting the trim and soundproofing, using aluminium alloy doors, bonnet, and boot lid, and using Perspex side windows. The five hundred 3.0 CSLs exported to the United Kingdom were not quite as light as the others, as the importer had insisted on retaining the soundproofing, electric windows, and stock E9 bumpers on these cars. The CSL was not sold in the United States.

Initially using the same engine as the 3.0 CS, the 3.0 CSL was given a very small increase in displacement to 3,003 cc (183.3 cu in) by increasing the engine bore by one quarter of a millimetre to 89.25 mm (3.51 in). This was done in August 1972 to allow the CSL to be raced in the “over three litre” racing category, allowing for some increase in displacement in the racing cars. In 1973, the engine in the 3.0 CSL was given another, more substantial increase in displacement to 3,153 cc (3.2 L; 192.4 cu in) by increasing the stroke to 84 mm (3.31 in), rated at 206 PS (203 hp; 152 kW) at 5600 rpm and 286 N⋅m (211 lb⋅ft) at 4200 rpm of torque. This final version of the 3.0 CSL was homologated in July 1973 along with an aerodynamic package including a large air dam, short fins running along the front fenders, a spoiler above and behind the trailing edge of the roof, and a tall rear wing. The rear wings were not installed at the factory, but were left in the boot for installation after purchase. This was done because the wings were illegal for use on German roads. The full aero package earned the racing CSLs the nickname “Batmobile”.

The CSL competed in Group 2 form in the European Touring Car Championship, with CSL drivers winning the Drivers title six times in the years 1973 and 1975 to 1979. The CSL also competed in Group 5 Special Production guise, winning three rounds of the 1976 World Championship for Makes. In FIA Group 4 spec, notably when driven by Hans-Joachim Stuck (car featured in Enthusia Professional Racing), they competed against racing versions of the Porsche 911 and Ford Capri with some success.

DETAILS

CONDITION

This vehicle is extremely well presented and not showing signs of rust likely due to the fact that the car had been subjected to a restoration in previous years. Mechanically it is fully functional and comes with extensive service history. After a test drive we can confirm that all the mechanical and electric components are fully operational and perform as they should. Both paint work and interior are of first class condition with no signs of any possible repairs required.

Saying this the 3.0CSL is in fact a used car and some minimal age related marks can be found both in and outside of the car but only by the most peculiar individuals.

INTERIOR

The half velour and half leather interior is in a excellent condition with no visible marks or rips and all the chrome and exposed paintwork components are also in perfect condition.

ENGINE BAY

The engine and ancileraries are in non-fault and fully operational condition. Both engine and the gearbox run smoothly and the clutch was recently replaced by a Mercedes specialist.

WHEELS

Wheels are not showing any marks and the tyres fitted are all brand new period correct Michelin’s with less than 100 miles on them.

LIGHTS & GLASS

All the glazed elements including light clusters and windows are in great condition.

GALLERY