The E9 BMW in itself is certainly a stunning piece of automobile design. But when the car sits in its ‘leicht’ CSL variation with the 3-litre M30 straight-six under the bonnet, it is a true master class. Many will admire its looks, others will gasp at its motorsport prowess as a homologation special. What is certain is that it will catch the attention of every single passer by.
That statement is no more true than with this model finished in a seemingly spotless coat of Fjord Blue. It features matching numbers for the specification and engine and was recently restored by the current owner’s brother-in-law.
From a full respray to an extensive engine rebuild, all whilst maintaining the car’s originality, the restoration means the car now sits proudly in fantastic condition and reportedly starts and drives very well. This car is perfect for any fan of BMW’s history and original automobiles.8Q2N6eQepTFVhbTD4vqZsxplzm9lquPOsDdfU89M.jpg1.31 MB
History and Paperwork
First registered in 1973
Two previous owners from new
Purchased by the current owner’s brother in law
Full restoration undertaken around 2020
Remains a very original car both inside and out
Matching numbers example
Passed on to the current owner soon after
Just 700 miles covered since the restoration
Full, original toolkit with the car
Folder full of paperwork
Many invoices from previous work – especially the restoration
Whilst this car has been through a very extensive restoration in recent years, the interior is positively untouched. It presents in a fabulous condition and yet is fully original, having reportedly not been worked on during said restoration project.
The dark leather and fabric Scheel seats show a brilliant condition that pairs excellently with the black dashboard and dark carpets. Wood trim throughout the cabin provides a wonderful contrast to the dark and focused environment. Furthermore, the headlining looks particularly clean and secure.
The owner informs us that the dials on the instrument cluster all work as they should, as is the case for the many controls as well as the original stereo system in the centre console. In fact, being an original UK model, this car features electric windows unlike European CSL models.
From the factory, the car came with a standard steering wheel. However, that was replaced with the optional Petri sports model. The car’s original unit is still present with the car.
The owner does point out some light marking on the carpets whilst there are the odd small signs of patina in places. However, for an untouched cabin of its age and mileage, its condition is surely impressive to say the least.3ataD9Dd6n28YrjhV1ZfEovwm22BLfcG6SvmBhNe.jpg974.5 KB
The Exterior
Gorgeous E9 BMW shape
Stunning Fjord Blue paint
Original badges and chrome
As aforementioned, the BMW E9 coupe shape often reminds enthusiasts of the iconic Group 2 racer otherwise known as the Batmobile. The road-going 3-litre CSL was indeed the homologation special after all. It is this motorsport-derived look that helps it stand out so much alongside its amazing styling.
It is finished in Fjord Blue, the colour in which it originally left the factory. But a full respray was undertaken around 2020, meaning it presents in a gorgeous overall condition. The car’s original badges and decals still feature to this day, having been refitted following the respray. Indeed, all the chrome fixtures from badges to the mirror, trim and bumpers are all original pieces that came with the car.
The car sits on a brilliantly preserved set of alloy wheels which, bar the odd scuff mark, present in good condition. They currently feature a set of modern Triangle Tyres, perfect for the short trips to shows the current owner uses the car for. However, a set of old-school Michelin models do come as part of the sale.
Underneath, plenty of rust repair has been done to preserve the chassis. The underside now presents in a fantastically clean way. There are evidently some very small spots of surface corrosion, but these mostly touch the bodywork lips.l9TzDdLo8DMhYGWDQthggIpPtuLltydmMfPhNNDW.jpg737.32 KB
The Mechanics
3-litre straight six M30 engine, 200hp
Four-speed manual transmission
Full engine rebuild in 2020
Under the bonnet of this eye-catching BMW 3.0 CSL sits the 3-litre straight-six, capable of putting out around 200hp thanks to its lightly enlarged displacement. The power plant looks fantastic in its place in the engine bay, the whole thing presenting cleanly.
Indeed, the engine was fully stripped and rebuilt during the extensive restoration project. As a result, the owner mentions just how easily it starts and runs. We are especially in awe about this knowing it is the car’s original motor, featuring matching numbers.
Since the rebuild, the car has covered very few miles, reportedly just 700 in total. With that in mind, it should be able to provide many miles of happy motoring to its next owner. eEvVNWXKGBOrqNd8RHpa7KSCLpzA9CmfODHOE5Bo.jpg773.39 KB
Summary
Having recently undergone a full, in-depth restoration, this 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL presents in a fabulous condition both inside and out. It features a very original interior whilst a respray in its original colour retains the car’s matching numbers status. The engine was equally rebuilt and runs brilliantly according to the owner.
Notice to bidders
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