1972 BMW 3.0 CSL - E9

This E9-generation BMW 3.0 CSL is a very rare and highly sought-after classic homologation special, which the seller notes benefits from an extensive ‘nut-and-bolt rotisserie’ restoration between January 2021 and August 2024. This E9-era 3.0 CSL is understood to be one of only 500 right-hand drive examples built, with a reported 103 known vehicles remaining worldwide; just nine of which are in Ceylon Gold. Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre fuel-injected straight-six, delivering around 149kW to the rear wheels via a retrofitted Getrag five-speed manual transmission with overdrive. This example was originally a UK-delivered model, which was first registered in March 1973. It had one UK-based keeper by November 1980 and was later exported to the US by its then-owner, before being purchased by an Australian working in the US in June 1991. The car underwent a full restoration in 1997 in the US before being brought back to Brisbane, Australia in 1999, where it remained with them until 2021 when the seller purchased the car. It has since undergone an extensive ‘no-expense-spared’ restoration. This E9-era 3.0 CSL is understood to be one of only 500 right-hand drive examples built. The odometer indicates 16,414 Kms, and while this is not warranted, less than 200 Kms have been put on the vehicle since the last restoration, which was just completed. The E9-generation 3.0 CSL was introduced at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show and was produced as a homologation model for racing in the European Touring Car Championship. The model designation ‘L’ stands for ‘leicht’ (light), with an overall weight-saving of 200kg achieved by using a thinner steel body, aluminium for the bonnet, doors, and boot lid, Perspex side windows, and much of the trim and sound proofing removed. This example was specified with the optional ‘Stadtpaket’ (city package), which resulted in the car being not quite as light as ‘standard’ models, but included the retention of some of the interior conveniences, including power steering, sound deadening, front and rear electric windows, and the rear screen defroster. It is finished in the striking and desirable shade of Ceylon Gold with contrasting gloss-black ‘3.0 CSL’ decals on the front chin spoiler and along each flank, over a black vinyl and corduroy cloth-trimmed interior, featuring chrome trim accents, and wood veneer inlays. It rides on a set of 16-inch Alpina multi-spoke alloy wheels with gloss black centres, fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tyres. Equipment includes a front chin spoiler, a fibreglass rear spoiler, an original and period correct Petri three-spoke steering wheel, Scheel bucket seats, a wooden Alpina gear knob, heater and ventilation controls, and an analogue clock. This 3.0 CSL has been fitted with a modern engine management system, and a replacement Getrag five-speed manual gearbox with overdrive in place of the original four-speed gearbox. The car comes with the original chrome front and rear bumpers should the new keeper prefer that aesthetic, a full toolkit, a ‘Birth Certificate’ from BMW, a Haynes owner’s workshop manual, period photos of the car, an owner’s manual, a ‘Bosch Fuel Injection & Engine Management’ book, a copy of Car Classics magazine, an illustrated BMW buyers guide, a ‘BMW Enthusiast’s Companion’ book, photos of the historical and recent restorations, and two A4 files containing an extensive collection of historical paperwork and maintenance invoices. Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. Specific notes from the seller include: the car underwent an extensive restoration over nearly 4 years where every component of the vehicle including bodywork, interior, engine, drivetrain, brakes and suspension were either repaired or replaced. The bodywork was subject to a rotisserie restoration where the underside was prepared and finished with the same care and attention as the topside with work being completed by renowned specialists, Styling Automotive. The Scheel seats, carpets, and headlining were replaced by Annvid Upholsterers, while the wood veneer dashboard and door trims were sent to a specialist in Budapest for expert finishing, and new door cards were fitted during the restoration. The restoration, strip down and reassembly of this vehicle was also undertaken by a renowned Classic BMW expert, Scott Robinson from Modern Classic Motorsport who is a BMW Master Mechanic and has a wealth of knowledge with E9’s, having completed countless restorations including a BMW E9 Art Car and worked on the McLaren F1 Modern Classic Motorsport also were chosen for the complete Engine strip and rebuild The seller notes that some items such as the chrome work on the interior and exterior were professionally polished but still retain some patina, which is in-keeping with the car’s age. The car’s last roadworthiness test was conducted in 2021, which is understood to have resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. After the restoration, the car is now back on the road and registered. This 3.0 CSL’s most recent maintenance was carried out in July 2024 at around an indicated 16,200 Kms by Modern Classic Motorsport. A recent ‘nut and bolt’ rotisserie restoration has been carried out, with the car expertly dismantled and rebuilt by a leader in classic BMWs and E9s, with new parts being installed wherever possible or necessary, and bodywork and engine rebuild carried out. This E9-generation BMW 3.0 CSL is a particularly rare and highly desirable classic homologation special, which benefits from an extensive restoration. One of only 500 right-hand drive examples built, with enhanced comfort features courtesy of the ‘City Package’, a bold Ceylon Gold finish, handsome styling, and boasting a lively straight-six engine coupled to a retrofitted five-speed manual gearbox, it would make a very notable addition to any assembly of iconic classics, and a stylish and rewarding companion for weekend drives, fair-weather cruising, and classic car show visits alike. The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy. Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section. For vehicles, unless otherwise stated, potential buyers should also assume that any cherished registration may be retained by the seller. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.