1973 BMW 3.0 CSL

£ 129 995

We are delighted to present for sale this exceptional 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL, a genuine UK-delivered, right-hand-drive example restored with care and mechanical integrity, and presented today in its original specification and highly attractive colour of Ceylon Gold.

Developed as a homologation special for the European Touring Car Championship, the BMW 3.0 CSL established itself as one of the defining performance cars of the 1970s. Built between 1971 and 1975 in relatively small numbers, the model combined lightweight construction with fuel-injected straight-six performance and went on to dominate international touring car racing throughout the decade, securing six European Touring Car Championship titles and cementing its place in BMW’s competition heritage.

Of the approximately 1,265 BMW 3.0 CSLs produced, around 500 examples were manufactured in right-hand drive for the UK and other export markets, making original UK-delivered cars such as this notably scarce today. This particular motor car is one of those right-hand-drive examples and notably one of the small number originally specified in Ceylon Gold, a colour that suits the model’s elegant yet purposeful design particularly well.

First registered on 6th June 1973, this UK-supplied 3.0 CSL was delivered new with the desirable ‘City Package’ specification, retaining a level of comfort while preserving the CSL’s lightweight ethos. Equipment included electric windows, power-assisted steering, Scheel sports seats, alloy wheels, aluminium bonnet, boot lid and door skins, and chrome front and rear bumpers.

The car was discovered as a long-term off-road example, having been laid up for approximately 25 years, a circumstance which helped preserve the structural integrity of the bodyshell. A comprehensive component-level restoration was subsequently commissioned and completed in 2020, with the principal works undertaken by respected specialists Viezu, supported by additional detail and finishing work carried out by Lux Classics. The restoration programme totalled approximately £90,000, with photographic documentation available showing the bodyshell stripped to bare metal, notably requiring only minimal structural repair.

Particular attention was paid to authenticity throughout the process. The original factory colour was carefully matched and reapplied in Ceylon Gold metallic, while correct materials were sourced for the interior trim and carpets. The wood trim was rebuilt to original standards, and all major mechanical assemblies, including the engine, gearbox and rear axle, were stripped, inspected and rebuilt as required.

Since acquiring the car in 2022, the current owner has continued to maintain and refine the car with a focus on reliability and usability. The Bosch fuel injection system has been professionally serviced and calibrated by a recognised specialist, and the car now starts cleanly from cold and runs as it should. Wheel alignment has also been carried out, along with ongoing detail work as part of careful stewardship.

The history file accompanying this motor car is particularly comprehensive and includes documentation tracing the car back to its early life. Included are the aforementioned restoration invoices totalling approximately £90,000, a photographic record of the restoration, historic BMW main dealer service and parts invoices, early MOT documentation dating back to 1982, and supporting paperwork covering the car’s history from new.