4 Star Classics

A stunning Chamonix white CSL with a fully documented history file 

MODEL HISTORY

The timeless and beautiful shape of the big BMW coupe was first conceived back in 1965 in the 2L coupe by Karmann, it developed into the e9 chassis in 1968 and production continued until the final model rolled of the production line in 1975. The introduction of the coupe in 1968 signalled BMWs intention to return to the luxury car market sector, an area it had been forced to ignore for years while it struggled to turn around its fortunes during the early 60s. Early cars were all carbureted until the adoption of Bosch fuel injection in the 3L CSi.

Hugely important in BMW motorsport history was the homologation special CSL (coupe sport leicht) which offered an aluminium bonnet, boot and doors with little in the way of luxury equipment, weight saving was also achieved by using thinner gauge steel in the construction of the body. To qualify the car for racing in the over 3 litre division, capacity of the engine was re bored and quoted as 3003cc which in road trim resulted in 200bhp at 5500rpm. The CSL label needed only 1000 cars to make it eligible to race. It was developed by a separate division in BMW AG which would later become BMW Motorsport GmbH. While the CSL does not carry the M badge many consider this as the first ever M car and one that first carried the tri colour motorsport livery.

Racing achievement - It is rare that a competition car lasts more than four seasons, infact by the time a race car is winning it is usually obsolete and designers are developing its successor. Such was the achievement of the coupe in international racing that it raced from 1969 through to 1978 and even then in 78 still won its fifth European touring car championship against stiff competition. Exploring the success of the CSL during its motorsport career is an impossible task to do here on this page, there is too much of it! Further reading and viewing is highly recommended as drivers such as Hans Stuck and Dieter Quester all wrestled the Munich monster in various Works, Alpina and Schnitzer incarnations from Group 2 400bhp cars to Group 5 750bhp fire breathing turbo rockets. A taster of this can be found by following this link to a classic youtube video - CSL Race Video.

Just 500 RHD CSLs were produced and nearly all had additional equipment over the LHD car to help aid the drivability of the car on a day to day basis. These additional options were grouped and labeled the 'City Package' and included power glass front and rear windows, power steering, interior bonnet release, chrome CSi front and rear bumpers and a tool kit.

Equipment

RHD City Pack, Electric windows, PAS, Scheel sports seats, Rear seat belts, Sports steering wheel, Alloy wheels, Aluminum bonnet, boot lid and door skins, Factory twin headlight main beam and driving light upgrade

EXTERIOR

The Chamonix white paint looks really sharp with the black CSL decals and the sparkling chrome work, we can only imagine how cool this car must have looked cruising the streets of London in the early 1970's! You can tell from the history that this CSL has never been allowed to fall into disrepair so has never required a major restoration. In the 1980's the car was treated to a freshen up that included a glass out repaint and quite a few replacement chrome and rubber parts. The current owner bought the car in this condition and has kept it as part of his private collection. A few years ago he decided to have the car repainted by his trusted body shop to bring it up to a first class standard, at the same time he had the car re-undersealed and a set of new chrome arches fitted.

INTERIOR

These E9 coups have wonderful light interiors due to the low window line giving the driver a great view of the surroundings. The interior of this car has lasted the test of time incredibly well, it still has the original sheel seats with vinyl bolsters and cloth centres, the original carpet set also remains and shows no wear. All of the plastic trim is undamaged and the wood has a beautiful satin finish. Everything is exactly as it would have left the factory other than the addition of some rear seat belts and some period speaker grills on the rear shelf. 

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Reading through the history file you can quickly tell that this CSL has always been maintained to a high standard and there is plenty of evidence to document the low mileage of 89,433 miles. In the 1980's the engine was fully rebuilt and blue printed by the well known Tom Walkinshaw Racing. Since then the car has been well serviced with last being done in July this year.

This CSL also benefits from a dogleg 5 speed gearbox which makes for a more sporty feel.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The original 14" Alpina alloys are in excellent condition and have recently been refurbished, they are shod in a matching set of Fulda tyres that show minimal wear. The calipers where overhauled in 2004 and all the discs and pads have been replaced, there is no scoring to the disks and the brakes work well pulling the car up quickly in a straight line.

HISTORY FILE

This example comes with a fantastic history file that goes right back to the 1970's. The original service book has remained with the car and is stamped up to the end of the 70's when the car had done 39k miles. The history continues with plenty of receipts including a full strip down and repaint of the body and an engine rebuild and blue print by Tom Walkinshaw Racing in the 1980's.

The current owner has had the car since the late 90's in part of his private collection, there is a photograph of the car sitting amongst some other fine machinery in his barn. He has paid particular attention to always keeping the car in fine mechanical condition which is well documented with a large pile of receipts showing all the service work and replacement parts used.

The car also comes with its original document holder and owners handbook. There are also lots of MOT certificates going back to the early 80's to further verify the low mileage.