1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Coupé

• Present enthusiast ownership since 1986
• Regularly maintained
• Little used in recent years
• Would benefit from some sympathetic restoration

In production from May 1972, the 3.0 CSL (Coupé Sport Leicht) was the BMW engineers' solution to the marketing department's requirement for develop a limited-production 'homologation special' to meet the constrictive framework of the Group 2 racing class regulations. By removing the trim; using thinner steel for the main bodyshell; aluminium alloy for the doors, bonnet and boot lid; and Perspex for the side windows, 300lb in weight was saved: 'Leicht' indeed. However, the interior trim was retained for most of the 500 UK-delivered cars (the so-called 'City Package').

Homologated initially with a fractionally over-bored (3,003cc) engine (enabling it to compete in the over 3-litre class) the 3.0 CSL came with 206bhp for road use and well over 300 horsepower for the track. In 1973 the engine's stroke was increased, upping capacity to 3,153cc (nominally 3.2 litres) and from mid-season onwards the racing CSLs used the so-called 'Batmobile' aerodynamic package, which consisted of a front chin spoiler, large rear wing and various other devices.

While out driving on a Sunday afternoon family road trip in 1986, the vendor spotted this CSL in a small garage near Poole in Dorset; he made a U turn and within a few days had managed to purchase it. The car was restored the following year to a good standard.

Used sparingly over the last 40 years, covering no more than 500-or-so miles per year, this lovely CSL has been cherished as the vendor's pride and joy, and used mainly for classic car runs and shows, and the occasional motocross event where the his son was taking part. For many years the vendor belonged to the BMW CSL Drivers Club, going on club runs and attending gatherings at historic houses and shows. There are numerous receipts on file for works carried out. Parts renewed include the radiator, heater matrix, brake calipers, rear shock absorbers, and the front wings.

The car has been stored in a heated garage and used only very occasionally of late due to the vendor's advancing years. We are advised that 'JBD 10L' runs and drives well and that mechanically it is believed to be in very good condition. The car is presented in generally good order, although it would now benefit from some sympathetic restoration work to bring it back to 'A1' condition. The BMW was originally fitted with a rear spoiler and front splitter, which will be included with the car at the time of sale. The handbook, tools, jack and spare wheel are included in the sale.