1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Coupe

The introduction of the 3.0-liter CS in 1971 brought with it four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and a 180 horsepower engine. The 3.0 CSL lightweight version was used for racing purposes. In order for the 3.0 CSL (Coupe Sport Leicht) to qualify for racing, a limited number of examples needed to be built. The BMW engineers' solution to the marketing department's requirements was to develop a limited production run 'homologation special' to meet the constrictive framework of the Group 2 racing class regulations. Thinner steel was used for the main body shell, and aluminum alloy for the doors, bonnet and boot lid. The trim was removed and Perspex side windows installed. These cost save measures reduced the vehicle's weight by 300 lbs.

Homologated initially with a fractionally over-bored (3,003cc) engine (enabling it to compete in the over 3-liter class) the 3.0 CSL came with 206bhp for road use and over 300 horsepower for the track. The stroke was increased in 1973, to 3,153cc (3.2 liters) and from mid-season onwards the racing CSLs used the so-called 'Batmobile' aerodynamic package, developed at Stuttgart University. This setup consisted of a front chin spoiler, large rear wing, and various other devices. As the wing was illegal for road use in Germany, BMW left them in the boot for final installation after purchase.

Toine Hezemans captured the 1973 European Touring Car Championship for BMW at the wheel of a 3.0 CSL and co-drove one to a class win at Le Mans that year with Dieter Quester.

This particular homologation-special CSL was completed at the Munich-based Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) plant in March of 1972. It left the factory finished in Colorado Orange over a black interior. It was built to European specifications, and delivered new to the Italian market through official importer BMW Italia S.P.A., where it was sold through the BMW agency in Verona, Italy.

This example uses carburetors rather than fuel injection. Just 169 examples of these early cars are believed to have been produced.

It is believed that this BMW remained in Italy since new. In 2008, the car was in the care of Bologna based Lorenzo Matteucci, who used it on the 2010 Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomitti rally. By 2013 the Colorado Orange BMW had made its way to the US, where it was in the ownership of Peter Gleeson, before ownership shifted to Victor Preisler in 2014.

Currently, the odometer shows less than 75,000 kms. The single overhead cam, 6-cylinder engine breathes through 2 Twin-Choke Zenith carburetors and offers 185 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual tranmsission and four-wheel disc brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2017