DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1973 | COLOUR: CEYLON GOLD | INTERIOR TRIM: BLACK VINYL | PRICE: RESERVED
LUX CLASSICS ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS EXCEPTIONAL UK DELIVERED BMW 3.0 CSL. FULL RECENT RESTORATION WITH MATCHING NUMBERS, PRESENTED IN ORIGINAL COLOUR SCHEME, WITH BLACK VINYL SEATS WITH CORDED PANELS BY SCHEEL. ONE OF ONLY 500 EXAMPLES PRODUCED IN RHD.
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.
THIS VEHICLE
A UK delivered BMW 3.0 CSL, first registered 6th June 1973 in its stunning original and current colour of Ceylon Gold metallic. 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.
Purchased by the current owner as a barn find, and off the road for we believe around 25 years, preserving its condition. A full two year component off restoration was commissioned with every main sub-assembly fully stripped and rebuilt by marque specialists.
The original colour found on the body was matched and painted in its original factory Ceylon Gold metallic with stunning results. Other fine detail was to source original material for the seats & carpets. The wood was in very poor condition and was rebuilt to original standards.
A photographic record of the restoration is available showing the bodyshell in bare metal which required very minimal welding and filler work. Engine, gearbox and rear axle were stripped and rebuilt with new components as necessary.
A note on file exists of the restoration work done with invoices for around £80,000. Complimenting this is an old MOT certificate dating back to 1982, and BMW main agent invoices for service and parts from the 1980s-90s with other historical documentation.
One of the most desirable and collectable Classic BMWs.
Please enquire for more information.
This vehicle is available for viewing in the UK on an appointment basis, and would suit an enthusiast or collector with whom this vehicle will represent a good acquisition opportunity.
WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Lux Classics make every effort to ensure that the information contained on the website ("the Information") is accurate and complete. However, errors and omissions may occur from time to time and we are not able to guarantee the accuracy of the Information. Therefore, we cannot be held liable for any reliance which you place on the information. Lux Classics does not give any warranties in respect of the website or the Information or the goods and services available via the website and makes no representations as the fitness for a particular purpose of any goods or services available via the website.
