BMW (E9) 3.0 CSL

Probably the most significant car 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.

The E9 3.0 CSL is a true benchmark homologation classic – It is rare that a competition car lasts more than four seasons, in-fact 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.

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 electric glass front and rear windows, power steering, interior bonnet release, chrome front and rear bumpers and a comprehensive tool kit.

‘VLN 71M’ is one of the 500 City Pack cars built in December 1972, first registered in May 1974 and was delivered finished in Chamonix White to a Mr C.R Page of London NW3. The CSL has had only a handful of owners all listed in the car’s history file, including most significantly Duke of Marlborough Charles James Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford at the time. The car was kept under his care in the garages of Blenheim Palace for a good number of years.

The CSL was fortunate to always be kept in good hands and excellent condition as shown in the pre-restoration photographs, however in 2020 the car underwent a fully documented and photographed no expense spared ground up, bare metal restoration by a well respected BMW specialist. This included a complete engine and gearbox rebuild. Every part of the important hardwood interior trim was painstakingly restored by a wood interior specialist, and presents flawlessly now. Every detail of the model history was researched to ensure that the car is now presented as close to how it left the factory in 1972 as possible, including correct interior, boot space and under-bonnet trim detail often overlooked in CSL restorations.

Every inch of the car presents exceptionally, including the underside which is as good to look at as the bodywork with all components treated and rebuilt. Suspension, chassis, engine and gearbox are all pristine, with every bush, fastener, rubber seal and linkage refurbished and factory fresh.

The wheels have been refurbished to an extraordinary level of detail and shod with a fresh set of period correct Michelin XWX tyres.

It is said that this car has one of the most complete and uninterrupted history files of all the remaining 3.0 CSL, containing the original handbook, stamped service book, registration documents from new, BMW Classic Certificate confirming matching engine and chassis numbers, MOTs dating back to 1982 and original dealership booklet and BMW sales brochures. The file also contains many maintenance invoices dating back to 1980, including one for engine blueprinting by Tom Walkinshaw Racing Ltd for Charles James Spencer-Churchill. A USB flash drive holds many photos of the restoration process of the CSL.

All factory supplied item are with the car such as a fully complete tool kit, warning triangle, wheel changing equipment, boot storage compartments and an ultra rare first aid ‘cushion’ with all the correct contents.

This beautiful and timeless Karmann design CSL has to be the best example out there, along with an impeccable provenance and would form a signifiant addition to any collection and is ready to be driven and enjoyed as it should be.