Lot 108: 1974 BMW 3.0 CSi

The first CS was this iconic range from the Munich firm was the 2000C in 1965 complete with its strange but compelling front-end styling. This was joined by the twin carburettor 2000CS and by 1969, it was replaced by the 2800CS with the body style you see here but a 2.8 twin carburettor engine giving 170bhp, rear drum brakes and the narrower rear track of the 2000 - manual or automatic transmission too. This was discontinued in December 1971 and the 3.0 CS had arrived five months earlier in July 1971 with a 180bhp 3 litre engine (still with carbs), rear discs, wider rear track and, again, manual or automatic. Production of the manual 3.0 CS finished in May 1972 when it was replaced by the 200bhp fuel injection 3.0 CSi, a model never available as automatic. The CSA continued as a separate model until the end of the E9 in 1975. The CSL lasted from May 1971 until August 1974 and the economy 2500 CS was built from 1974 until 1975. There have been no major changes carried out on this extremely fine example; the inner wings appear to be in good order, a common place for corrosion. Internally the black trim is, again, in first class condition. Being a late car, it features the four spoke steering wheel from the 520; the electric sunroof was undoubtedly a very expensive option at the time, £345 being the cost of a decent E-Type! The radiator has been uprated by Walloth & Nesch to add extra cooling, a common fault with these cars. The suspension has also been refitted with Koni adjustable dampers and BMW motorsport uprated front coils supplied, again by Walloth & Nesch. Enclosed in the history file are a number of bills including invoices from MJF Engineering, classic BMW specialists. The BMW historical archives have also issued a certificate detailing build dates, delivery dates and engine/chassis numbers. Needless to say, all numbers match. Described as being in excellent condition in every respect, this beautifully sculptured car comes with a full years MoT, a history file and V5C.