The BMW 3.0 CSL will always be remembered as one of the most elegant and distinctive sports cars to emerge from the 1970s, but it was also one which provided the firm with competition success, and hence publicity value beyond all expectations.
During this period one of the most exciting categories of racing was the European Touring Car Championship, and the two principal contestants were Ford (Cologne) and BMW. BMW‘s main weapon was the CSL (Coupé Sport Leichtmetall), a lightweight version of the 3.0 CS featuring alloy doors, boot lid and bonnet, and more spartan trim. The overhead cam six cylinder engine was fuel injected and delivered 210 b.h.p., with strong torque throughout the rev range, which meant the car was as quick at covering real road miles as its acceleration figures on paper led you to believe.
Finished in blue this particular example was kept in the family of a Mr B Mills from 1973 – 2006, whereupon the car was purchased by its current owner. Complete with fitted car cov