Lot 132: BMW 3.0 CSL

The early model CSL's had the same 180hp 2958cc six as in the 3.0CS, however, this car had far better acceleration, thanks to significant body lightening (hence the 'L' suffix). To slash a substantial 181kg from the average 3.0CS, BMW used aluminium-skinned doors, bonnet and boot, thinner gauge body parts, a spartan interior with lightweight bucket seats, Plexiglas windows, as well as zero sound deadening and underbody corrosion protection. It was truly the bare-bones cousin. The CSL rode on wider than average 14-inch alloy Alpina wheels (and 195/70 tyres), that even made unique chrome wheel arch extensions necessary in order to comply with design laws. In August 1972, the lightweight CSL was updated with a bigger engine. BMW opened up the bore diameter slightly to bump the six up to 3003cc, a size that enabled the CSL to race in the popular Group 2 touring class. And, like the earlier 3.0CSi, this 3003cc engine was also released with Bosch D-Jetronic multi-point fuel injection. It had few peers in its day. Here was a 3-litre engine that could muster 200hp (DIN) at 5500 rpm and 200ft/lb of torque at 4300 - yet ran silky smooth. The 3003cc CSL (with its standard 4-speed manual gearbox) could launch to the CSL from 0 to 60mph in 6.9 seconds and press on to 100 mph in only 21 seconds. Its top speed was quoted at around 140 mph. These figures made the car very desirable but with just 500 rhd examples available, you had to be quick. Offered here is one of the 3003cc cars, which is said to have been the subject of much work by CSL specialists Munich Legends, who have known the car for 16 years. The most recent expenditure has been a major service at Munich Legends but there is history darting back to the 1980's. The car was acquired, by the vendor, in 2001, it was previously owned by a Mr S. Sambhi of London NW3 and Neville Hay who bought the car in the late eighties, early nineties. The motorsport enthusiasts among you will recognise Neville Hay as a highly respected motorsport Historian, the voice of a thousand motorsport videos and one of the commentators in the early days of Radio Le Mans. It was Neville Hay who rescued the car from a garage in Kidderminster, when a major restoration had stalled. He then commissioned another specialist to fully restore the car and Munich Legends to overhaul the engine and running gear. The car was sold to a Journalist in 1997, when Neville Hay relocated to the IOM and he still regrets selling it. Equipped with the legendary straight-six engine and standard, manual transmission. The car is finished in white with black sports seats and sits on the correct, Alpina, alloy road wheels. It is described as being in good condition throughout.