4 Star Classics

A fantastic specimen of the legendary CSL

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, Sports steering wheel, Alloy wheels, Aluminum bonnet, boot lid and door skins, Alarm.

EXTERIOR

This CSL looks fast in its original factory Verona red paintwork! The finish is stunning and the paintwork retains a deep shine with no fading. The headlights remain clear and bright and the metal chrome work sparkles. The plastic covered chrome work is starting to show its age slightly but still looks great amongst the chrome arches and wiper stalks. Amazingly this CSL still retains its engine undertray and a whole host of small plastic bumper rubbers and trim pieces that tend to get lost or damaged over time and during lengthy restorations.

INTERIOR

The interior has been re-done which is documented in the large history file. While not completely original the quality of the leather and alcantara materials and workmanship is very good with the red piping makes a great match for the Verona paintwork. The wood trim still retains its original satin finish and has aged well without the common problem of the lacquer pealing off. There are no unsightly speaker holes in the door cards or rear parcel shelf. It is nice to see the plastic seat base covers are still present, a item that is fragile and prone to getting lost and broken over time. There is a lovely moto-lita wood steering wheel that is in perfect condition that sits well amongst the rest of the wood in the cabin.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

There is a huge amount of history dating back to the early 90s that covers a vast amount of mechanical work. A section of this includes the engine that was subject to a strip down during the cars restoration, the compression was tested and the head rebuilt at the same time the timing chain and clutch replaced. While out the original 4 speed gearbox was also overhauled and injectors tested. Since the restoration and major mechanical work the car has only covered 16K miles. More recent work has included a full engine service and refresh of all fluids incl Gearbox, diff, power steering, brake fluid and coolant. At the same time all belts were replaced and a brake overhaul completed.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The wheels have been refurbished and wear Yokohama 205/60/14 tyres all with very good tread. The brakes were recently overhauled with new pads and brake hoses.

HISTORY FILE

Having been owned by the current owner since 1988 it is no surprise that the log book states only 3 previous owners. Bought off a BMW parts specialist the owner treated the car to an all out restoration during the early 90s that lasted most of the 90s! There is a huge amount of detailed documentation supporting the restoration and further service history and invoices charting the cars life up until the present day.