1972 BMW 3.0 CSL

The 1970s were landmark years for BMW. With the introduction of the fabled 3.0 litre CSL in 1971 the Munich based automaker dominated international motorsport.

Winning the European Touring Car Championship 6 times with names like Hans and Dieter thundering around Spa and the Nürburgring, ripping through an atmosphere that was equal parts oil, lager and BBQed sausages the 3.0L CSL raced against the likes of the 911 2.7 RS and 3.0L Ford Capri whose like-for-like homologation models now sell for well into the millions.

Known popularly as the ‘Batmobile’, the 3.0 litre CSL (Coupé Sport Leicht) was essentially BMW’s first M car produced especially for homologation regulations between 1972 and 1975.

Just 500 cars were ever built in right-hand-drive, a miniscule production number and were made available in both the standard, spartan “Lightweight” guise or with the optional “City Package” that was designed to make the car more usable everyday adding power-steering, rear window defroster, sound deadening, electric windows, and velour carpeting.

A sportsclassic statement of style, heritage and racing success, available here is one of the very few surviving original right-hand-drive BMW 3.0 litre CSL’s and one of just a handful in the country.

Numbers matching, factory fitted with the optional City Package and presented in its original combination of Polaris Silver on Black corduroy trim this car was delivered new to the UK in 1972, arriving on Australian shores in 2011.

The recent subject of a zero-expense spared bare metal restoration this 3.0L CSL has been restored to exacting standards with many of the cars original components refurbished including the engine, suspension and brakes, whilst all other OEM parts were restored or sourced with great difficulty and at great expense.

The engine itself was sent over to the world experts Kormans in the US to be rebuilt. They support the E9 racing series in the states so were the only choice to bring this car to top specification.

Released from an extensive private collection, this 3.0 litre CSL still features important and rare original parts like its correct and impossible to find Scheel racing bucket seats, aluminium bonnet, boot lid and door skins, correct 16 inch Alpina light-weight alloy wheels and even small details like the Becker Mexico radio which has been tastefully modified to be bluetooth compatible. The previous owner has also gone to great lengths to install factory air conditioning to mean whatever time of year this car can be enjoyed.

Accompanying the car is a detailed history file holding restoration receipts, ownership history and a photographic log of works as well as the original tool kit.

Offering an uber unique opportunity to own, drive and invest in a seriously rare and collectable racing legend this peerless 3.0 litre CSL is a must experience.

Eligible for the Le Mans Classic and the Tour Auto this original right-hand-drive 3.0 litre CSL would suit the most fastidious collector. One of the finest we’ve ever seen, worldwide.