The BMW 3.0 CSL, unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show and launched in 1972, was a lightweight, high-performance version of the 3.0 CS/CSi Coupe, built on the E9 platform. Created as a homologation special for the German Touring Car Championship, it was developed by a division that later became BMW Motorsport GmbH. The CSL earned major racing success, including class wins at Le Mans (1973-74), victory in the 1975 IMSA GT Championship, and domination of the European Touring Car Championship from 1973 to 1979. The 'L' stood for leicht (light), reflecting its weight-saving measures such as thinner steel, aluminium panels, and an aerodynamic kit. Of 1,096 cars built, around 500 reached the UK-most with the 'City Package,' which added comfort features at the cost of some weight. Early carburetted models (2,985 cc) were left hand drive only, succeeded by 3,003cc fuel-injected versions, available in both left and right hand drive. Of the 500 cars originally supplied to the UK, only 82 cars are licensed on the road at the time of writing, with a further 58 registered as SORN.

Our vendor purchased this beautiful Taiga Green example in 2017, after it had been treated to a bare metal restoration in 2011, which was completed to a very high standard and also included a full rebuild of the engine, gearbox and other mechanical items by Ferrari specialists, SMDG. The history file is rather comprehensive, with records of the restoration, as well as earlier invoices from BMW specialists. As part of the restoration, the wood trim was also refinished to an excellent standard, with the rest of the interior presenting in excellent order as well. The car has only seen very gentle use since the restoration was carried out and has formed part of our vendors collection including other BMW's for the past eight years. Now available for its next custodian, this CSL represents excellent value and can be enjoyed as intended, unlike some examples which have possibly been over restored, this one is just 'right'. Recent work includes a set of new tyres, a rebuild of the front brake calipers, a new battery and new alternator. Supplied to auction with a V5 registration document, an impressive history file and an MoT test certificate valid until October 2026. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1973
Make: BMW
Model: 3.0 CSL
Registration: JJU 404L
Chassis No: 2285236
Odometer: 79,546

* One of just 500 UK supplied right hand drive examples
* Subject of a bare metal restoration in 2011 with light use since
* In current BMW enthusiast ownership since 2017