Lot 404: BMW 3.0CSL

The BMW 3.0 CSL will always be remembered as one of the most elegant and distinctive sports cars to emerge from the 1970s, but it was also one which provided the firm with competition success, and hence publicity value beyond all expectations. During this period one of the most exciting categories of racing was the European Touring Car Championship, and the two principal contestants were Ford (Cologne) and BMW. BMW's main weapon was the CSL (Coup� Sport Leichtmetall), a lightweight version of the 3.0 CS featuring alloy doors, boot lid and bonnet; and more spartan trim. The overhead cam six cylinder engine was fuel injected and delivered 210 b.h.p., with strong torque throughout the rev range, which meant the car was as quick at covering real road miles as its acceleration figures on paper led you to believe. Finished in blue this particular example was kept in the family of a Mr B Mills from 1973  2006, whereupon the car was purchased by its current owner. Complete with fitted car cover, new radiator, new clutch, re-undersealed wheel arches and new front brake discs and pads, this superb homage to 1970s German engineering would make an ideal daily driver. NRK 22L is presented with a detailed documented mileage history and other supporting papers from 1983 onwards. Fitted to the car are believed to be original BMW aluminium racing panels, CSL seats with headrests (part of the original 'city package'), original black vinyl seats, original carpets and power steering. The car is supplied with a V5 registration document and the original workshop manuals, a BMW parts book and BMW handbook. This elegant classic represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of these increasingly scarce CSLs, of which only 500 were produced in RHD specification, some sources have even suggested that less than 100 are still on the road today.