1973 BMW 3.0 CSL

The European Touring Car Championship of the early 1970s encouraged a number of performance-orientated manufacturers to build some rare and exciting homologation specials, notably Ford with their Escort and Capri derivatives and BMW with their CSL.

Standing for 'Coupé Sport Leicht', it was indeed light - with an aluminium bonnet, boot and doors, reduced trim and lighter sports seats, all of which created a weight saving of over 300lbs (136 kgs), even on the road car! The race versions created even more highly evocative images (think Hans Stuck flying at the 'Flugplatz' ) with an excess of dramatic spoilers on the front, rear and even on the roof! Only 250 were built and they were hugely successful in period, gaining cult status amongst racing fans all over the world.

This BMW CSL has been with its current owner since 1990 when he purchased it from his brother and exported the car to Germany. It is believed that the vehicle was purchased by the vendor's brother in the late 1970s and so this CSL has been under the care of one family for the clear majority of its life.

A substantial history file documents a continuous maintenance programme, with invoices that date back to 1978. There are even a few previous UK MoT certificates from 1978, 1979 and 1980. In 1991, the car went back to the BMW dealer in Aachen for a brand-new replacement engine and this is documented with a warranty card in the history file. Importantly, the engine is listed as having been re-stamped to match the chassis number.

Finished in the classic colour combination of Fjord Metallic Blue with a black interior, this CSL was the subject of an older restoration and is eminently usable as it is, but would make an excellent basis for a serious quality restoration. We understand that the car runs well and is fully road-legal in Germany with all the necessary TUV documents. Recently imported from Europe, the car is currently on a NOVA reference and will require UK registration if purchased by a UK buyer.

We encourage pre-sale inspections on this stylish BMW with so much potential and would urge prospective buyers to contact the office for more information. Silverstone Auctions rarely have the privilege of selling these iconic CSLs and they are now firmly established as one of the must-have cars in any serious collection.