18th Oct, 2006 0:00
Kempton Park Racecourse
1972 BMW 3.0 CSL
Estimated at £11,000 - £13,000
Lot details
Registration No: GDF 3L
Chassis No: 2285-198
Mot Expiry: Sept 2007
By the late 1960s, a resurgent BMW had become the dominant force in European Saloon Car racing. Anxious to raise its profile still further but lacking funds, the Munich firm encouraged the efforts of outside tuners such as Alpina and Schnitzer to turn its flagship Coupe into a contender for Group 2 European Touring Car honours. By the end of 1970, the Karmann built two-door had achieved some notable results but was still beset by a sizeable weight handicap when compared to the rival Ford Capri. To redress the balance, BMW formed a special in-house company (BMW Motorpsort GmbH) and charged it with creating a lightweight homologation version of the 3.0CS. Shorn of over 300lbs, the resultant CSL (Coupe Sport Leicht) utilised thinner-gauge steel, bespoke aluminium panels (doors, bonnet, boot), slimmer glass and reduced sound-proofing material. Equipped with all-round independent suspension (McPherson strut front / semi-trailing arm rear), disc brakes and responsive steering, it was wonderfully balanced. Continually honed, the defection in spring 1972 of key Blue Oval racing personnel Jochen Neerpasch (ex-Porsche Works driver) and Martin Braungart (ex-Mercedes Rally co-driver) brought added impetus. Thus, in August of that year the road-going CSL gained Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection for its enlarged 3003cc OHC straight-six engine. Said to develop some 206bhp and 200lbft of torque, this supremely flexible unit was mated to a five-speed Getrag manual gearbox. Reputedly capable of 146mph and 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds, the showroom CSL proved a supremely effective platform on which to experiment. Driven in anger by the likes of Hans Stuck, Niki Lauda, Derek Bell, Brian Muir, Henri Pescarolo, Bob Wollek and Brian Redman, the legendary BMW racer continued winning through its various Group 2, Group 5 and World Championship of Makes guises. Crowned European Touring Car Champion no less than five times between 1973 and 1979, its podium glories were reflected by each of the 1,039 homologation CSiLs believed built (500 RHD, 539 LHD).
Finished in red with black leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is rumoured to have been supplied new to Victor Gauntlett (hence the fitment of more accommodating CSi seats). Further benefiting from an electric sunroof and power steering, 'GDF 3L' has apparently been in the current ownership since 1997. Said to have covered less than 60,000 miles from new (a figure reputedly substantiated by the accompanying history file), this rare BMW is offered for sale with its original service and hand books.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle now has an MOT until September 2007.
Registration No: GDF 3L
Chassis No: 2285-198
Mot Expiry: Sept 2007
By the late 1960s, a resurgent BMW had become the dominant force in European Saloon Car racing. Anxious to raise its profile still further but lacking funds, the Munich firm encouraged the efforts of outside tuners such as Alpina and Schnitzer to turn its flagship Coupe into a contender for Group 2 European Touring Car honours. By the end of 1970, the Karmann built two-door had achieved some notable results but was still beset by a sizeable weight handicap when compared to the rival Ford Capri. To redress the balance, BMW formed a special in-house company (BMW Motorpsort GmbH) and charged it with creating a lightweight homologation version of the 3.0CS. Shorn of over 300lbs, the resultant CSL (Coupe Sport Leicht) utilised thinner-gauge steel, bespoke aluminium panels (doors, bonnet, boot), slimmer glass and reduced sound-proofing material. Equipped with all-round independent suspension (McPherson strut front / semi-trailing arm rear), disc brakes and responsive steering, it was wonderfully balanced. Continually honed, the defection in spring 1972 of key Blue Oval racing personnel Jochen Neerpasch (ex-Porsche Works driver) and Martin Braungart (ex-Mercedes Rally co-driver) brought added impetus. Thus, in August of that year the road-going CSL gained Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection for its enlarged 3003cc OHC straight-six engine. Said to develop some 206bhp and 200lbft of torque, this supremely flexible unit was mated to a five-speed Getrag manual gearbox. Reputedly capable of 146mph and 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds, the showroom CSL proved a supremely effective platform on which to experiment. Driven in anger by the likes of Hans Stuck, Niki Lauda, Derek Bell, Brian Muir, Henri Pescarolo, Bob Wollek and Brian Redman, the legendary BMW racer continued winning through its various Group 2, Group 5 and World Championship of Makes guises. Crowned European Touring Car Champion no less than five times between 1973 and 1979, its podium glories were reflected by each of the 1,039 homologation CSiLs believed built (500 RHD, 539 LHD).
Finished in red with black leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is rumoured to have been supplied new to Victor Gauntlett (hence the fitment of more accommodating CSi seats). Further benefiting from an electric sunroof and power steering, 'GDF 3L' has apparently been in the current ownership since 1997. Said to have covered less than 60,000 miles from new (a figure reputedly substantiated by the accompanying history file), this rare BMW is offered for sale with its original service and hand books.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle now has an MOT until September 2007.
Auction: Kempton Park Racecourse, 18th Oct, 2006
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