4 Star Classics

A striking CSL in a fantastic period colour.

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 off 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, Alloy wheels, Aluminum bonnet, boot lid and door skins.

EXTERIOR

Finished in one of the best period colours, Inka Orange, this CSL makes quite the impression when it comes into view. The body on this stunning car was fully rebuilt by an experienced E9 specialist back in the 90s and it has remained in excellent solid condition having been kept in a garage ever since and never used in the rain. This is evident from the condition of the bodywork and the spotlessly clean wheel arches that remain in perfect rust free condition. There is a comprehensive photo album of the restoration showing the car before and after the work and still to this day retains its striking appearance. The laminated green tint windscreen appears original still containing the factory fitted running in stickers and the correct start procedure. All of the chrome trim remains in good condition with no major pitting and only a few light scratches from its 40 years. The paint finish now over 20 years old remains in superb condition, a testament to how well the work was done and how well the car has been looked after, the only signs of ageing is a small chip and reaction with the aluminum on the leading edge of the bonnet.

INTERIOR

The interior in a BMW E9 coupe is like none other, beautifully laid out with lashings of wood trim it is a wonderful place to be. Slide into the Scheel seats and it's obvious this is a special car. The seats in this particular car are in lovely condition with no tears and the wood trim remains in good condition with no major marks or peeling. There is a period radio neatly fitted however the only sound track available is the straight 6 engine growl as the radio is not linked up to any speaker and therefore no unsightly speaker holes in the door cards or trim. The steering wheel is leather clad and a factory fitted wheel that is commonly found in some of the City Pack cars. The plastic carpet covers by the front seat (all too easily broken or lost) are still present finishing off the interior nicely.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The engine was removed from the car during the body restoration, rebuilt then refitted. It has covered very few miles since but sadly there is no paper work to back this up however it has undergone a very recent full service and MOT to ensure it is in fine fettle and running correctly. The car starts quickly from cold and idles correctly right up to temperature. The gearbox remains smooth and precise and the clutch fully functional.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

This gorgeous Inka CSL retains its original 14 inch Alpina wheels that have been recently refurbished and as such are in fantastic condition. The tyres are period continentals with good tread and suitable for storing the car in a collection or for short journeys. For any more than this such as 'spirited' or long distance driving would require a fresh set of tyres to ensure a car of this pedigree can be fully enjoyed. All of the discs and pads remain in good condition with plenty of life left and the front calipers have recently be overhauled and replaced with new units.

HISTORY FILE

Purchased out of passion by its last owner in 1990 as a restoration project this CSL was then transported to E9 experts with 1970s main dealer experience for its extensive body rebuild. Sympathetically restored and rebuilt the car was then seldom driven in the past 22 years covering less than 5000 dry miles and stored inside. In the paperwork there is a collection of previous MOT and SORN certificates dating back to the early 90s along with a photographic record of the restoration.

Certified by BMW Classics this CSL was manufactured on November 18th, 1972 and delivered on November 22nd, 1972 to England. The original colour was Inka, paint code 022.