1973 BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)

Lot Number: 304

1973 BMW 3.0 CSL (E9)

Recently emerged from long-term storage, this is a remarkable opportunity.

  • Sold for: £67,500

LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Saturday 5th March, 2022 at 2.00pm GMT at RAF Museum London

  • Drive

    DRIVE
    RHD

  • Registration Number

    REG NUMBER
    TGT 90M

SUMMARY

Recently emerged from long-term storage, this is a remarkable opportunity.

DESCRIPTION

  • Number 104 (#228104) of the 500 RHD CSLs supplied to BMW UK
  • Completed on 14/11/1972 and delivered to BMW Concessionaires GB on 17/11/1972
  • Finished in Polaris Silver (Code 080) with a black interior
  • Decent history file up until 2006 having covered 78,142 miles. In dry storage since
  • Now in need of restoration or possibly just recommissioning
  • Probably one of the last unmolested CSLs to come to auction, a blank canvas

Visually indistinguishable from its more 'run of the mill' relations, the CS and CSi, the 3.0 CSL (Coupé Sport Leicht) was creative homologation at its best. Success in motorsport sells cars, and the marketing department's requirements led BMW engineers to develop a limited-production 'homologation special' to meet the constrictive framework of the ‘Group 2’ racing class regulations at the time. By removing the trim and using thinner steel for the main bodyshell; aluminium alloy for the doors, bonnet and, boot lid; and Perspex for the side windows, a valuable 300lbs (136kgs) in weight was saved – 'Leicht' indeed.

Mechanically, these cars were almost identical to the fuel-injected CSi (which meant 200bhp and 140mph plus) but to take it into the over-3litre class, the engines were bored out slightly to 3003cc. Equipped with all-round independent suspension (McPherson strut front/semi-trailing arm rear), disc brakes and responsive steering, it was wonderfully balanced. Very expensive when new (several hundred pounds more than a 2.7 RS 911 CSLs are now the most highly coveted BMW of the 1970s with a fabulous competition record.

We understand that only 1,039 CSLs were built in total with 500 of these finished in right-hand drive for BMW UK. Offered here is number 104 (#228104) of those 500 accompanied by a letter from BMW Group, Munchen confirming that it was manufactured on 14th November 1972 and delivered to BMW Concessionaires GB Ltd. on the 17th November finished in Polaris Silver (Code 080) with a black interior. Two old V5s show that it had just two previous owners prior to its sale in January 1990 to a prominent London barrister living on the Embankment. From 2006, it has been in storage with the speedometer showing 78,142 miles and the history file contains a clutch of MOTs going back to 1986, multiple invoices from the eighties raised by Cronk Garages Ltd. of Redhill, further invoices during the early nineties from Cheyne BMW London and accounts for further work carried out by a garage close to the large Scottish family estate where the car spent much of its time in later years.

 Having been in storage since 2006, it now requires restoration or at best re-commissioning but presents a blank canvas as probably one of the last unmolested CSLs to come to auction. It still has its original non-sport steering wheel, which may well be unique, and is supplied with the aforementioned history file and its original handbooks.

 These low-production, era-defining coupés often feature as a choice in car enthusiasts' 'dream garage' scenarios, and with good reason - beautifully engineered machines with that seventies BMW magic and probably the prettiest homologation special ever conceived. This is a fantastic opportunity to awaken this dusty 'Lightweight' from sixteen years of slumber.

SPECIFICATION

Lot Number
304
Make
BMW
Model
CSL
Registration Number
TGT 90M
Chassis Number
2231362285104
Engine Number
2231362285104

CONSIGNOR

Consignor

For further information regarding this lot please contact Lionel.

CONTACT

SHARE THIS LOT

Vehicles can be collected from the RAF Museum on Monday 7th March between 9am and 2pm.

Our transport partners, EM Rogers, can assist with collection and delivery. Please contact them on 01604 755511 or trafficdesk@emrogers.co.uk for a quote.

Any vehicles not collected by 2pm on Monday 7th March will be taken to EM Rogers storage facility in Northampton for a fee of £175 plus VAT. Storage will be charged at £10 plus VAT per day from Monday 7th onwards.

Automobilia can be collected from The RAF Museum over the weekend or Monday morning between 9am and midday by prior appointment. After this time it can be collected from our offices in Warwickshire or shipped to you at your expense.

Enjoy the excitement of bidding, knowing your budget has been approved and confirmed by your dedicated Account Manager at Oracle Car Finance. For further information simply click HERE for your free quote or call 03308 387 7491.

Oracle Finance

Buying anything at an auction is an exhilarating experience and it is easy to get caught up in the moment of seeing these fantastic cars, from roaring supercars to our much-loved classics, parading up and down the runway.

With our car auction finance experts, alongside our growing panel of specialist lenders, we may be able to get you pre-approved for your bespoke car finance package before you start the excitement of bidding at the event. Just one of the benefits of speaking to a member of our award-winning team here at Oracle Car Finance, is that we could help get you approved at the top end of your budget with an agreement in principle on any UK auction vehicle, so that you’re ready to bid confidently should your dream car sell at a higher price than expected. This agreement in principle tends to be valid between 30 and 90 days.

Get a free quote

Our Official Car Finance Provider, Oracle Finance, is the UK’s No.1 funder for prestige, sports and classic cars and can provide funding options for any vehicle, from £25,000 to multi-million pound classics and supercars.

A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.

For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:

www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers

Newsletter Sign Up

Keyword Alerts

NewsletterNewsletter