One of the most beautiful. One of the most underrated. The 3.0 CSL is a car that looks amazing even when parked next to cars worth ten times the amount. As a classic it ticks every box; racing pedigree, limited numbers (500 RHD), beautiful styling, period feel – and most importantly, that mystery ingredient that attracts so many people to its distinctive lines.
The 3.0 CSL was so expensive back in 1972 – twice the price of your average house – that very few people could afford one. Remember that until BMW started to win on track with the CSL, the company was more known for producing Eastern-bloc style nasty square boxes. And with the war a recent memory for many people, German cars were not necessarily flavour of the month. But a few people got it. Driving a CSL now you can see just how ahead of the pack BMW really were. Compare, say, an E-type Jag, or even some of the more expensive Italian exotica, and it’s not hard to see why the CSL then cleaned up at the race track for the next five or so years.
The few who ‘got it’ soon spread the word. And despite the relative commercial failure of the CSL – UK cars had to have a ‘city pack’ of toys fitted to entice people to part with their £6800, which promptly added back most of the weight shed for the ‘L’ designation – a cult following was born. The faithful few watched as values plummeted over the years and their cars often fell apart – we’ve heard many a story of ruined holidays and embarrassing breakdowns – but even then, for many, it’s still the best car they ever owned. And those who remember the CSL from their childhood, with relatives or friends who owned one of these incredibly rare cars, the memory has never left them. Many of them end up in our showroom, hoping to find the car of their dreams.
Set up right, the CSL drives like the GT it was always meant to be and still impresses even today. The 3.0 M30 engine – which went on to power a huge swathe of BMWs in various forms right into the 90’s – throws out a smooth but very vigorous 200bhp, making it a seriously quick machine by the standards of the time. And by 70’s classic car standards the CSL is a very reliable machine, with good parts availability for all but the odd piece of trim.
The problem is availability. Out of the original 500 it is estimated that fewer than 65 remain (source: How many are left? Website) and we would suggest that the majority of those still registered are in urgent need of saving from extinction. Many people took advantage of BMW’s generous offer to change the engine when faults occurred back in the day, so matching number cars are scarce too. The biggest problem has never been the price of CSLs, but whether you can find one worth owning.
This particular 3.0CSL has benefited from extensive restoration, having been owned by a serious car collector, who counts many a rare Ferrari and other exotica in his collection. The bodywork was stripped to bear metal, with any corrosion rectified and repaired, doors, boot and bonnet reskinned in aluminium, with a complete repaint carried out including engine bay and door shuts. The car was then sent to the team at Munich Legends for an engine rebuild. Despite these works, the car has retained its original feel, keeping almost all of the interior and important elements completely authentic. It drives fantastically well – just like a 3.0L CSL should – and you’ll soon see just how far ahead BMW were in terms of technical development during the early 70s. The car feels solid and planted on the road, with none of the idiosyncrasies that can often spoil the driving experience on lesser cars – the car breaks straight and true, turns in with all the sharpness you need, and the engine pulls strongly throughout the rev range.
The oft-favoured modification of a 5-speed dogleg Getrag gearbox in place of the original 4-speed has been carried out – the original 4-speed box has been retained should the new owner wish to reverse the conversion (at additional cost).
This CSL stands out as a car that has clearly been care for throughout its life – no matter how much a car is restored, you can always tell how good the original donor was – and this of course plays heavily in what you can achieve as the end result.
Our technical team have carried out their usual inspection, and have compiled a short list of work to present the car in the showroom, meaning the new owner will be able to take delivery of one of the best CSLs available today, with peace of mind and the confidence to use the car to its full potential. For more information on this lovely machine, or to book a visit (by appointment only please) contact our showroom team on 01825 740456 or email on sales@munichlegends.com
