1972 BMW 3.0 CS

BMW's low-budget Isetta 300 microcar had been instrumental in providing BMW with the necessary cash flow for the struggling company. The 3.0 CS was also a very important vehicle for BMW, as it helped change the company's image from makers of low-budget automobiles to quality, performance vehicles. Starting in the late 1960s, BMW introduced the 1600 and 2002, cars that helped create the sports-sedan category and redefine BMW performance. These were followed by the BMW Bavaria, a full-size sedan that combined elegance and performance. Hence, the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' mantra was born, and BMW set its sights on producing a personal sports-luxury car known as the BMW 3.0 CS. This was a low-production automobile with only 1,172 units produced in model-year 1972. The inline 6-cylinder engine was sourced directly from its counterpart full-size 3.0 sedan and could be paired with either a 4-speed manual or automatic transmission. The coupe body was labor-intensive to build and thus was sent out to Karmann—a coach builder of impeccable reputation. The result was a beautiful personal luxury car that offered comfort, handling, and status.

Produced from 1968-75, the 1972 model had a 3.0L engine that produced 180 HP, an improvement over its predecessors that carried a smaller-displacement engine with less horsepower. Likewise, it preceded the large-impact bumpers that were introduced on the 1974 model, giving it cleaner lines.