1973 BMW 3

Based on the E9-series 3.0 CS and conceived by BMW s competition department, the 3.0 CSL was the company s 1970s touring-car contender. A homologated racing car for the road, the 3.0 CSL was produced along three distinct series between May 1971 and October 1975, with just 1,265 built. As with the basic E9-series cars, the 3.0 CSL was assembled by Karmann at its Rheine, Germany facilities. The ''L'' model suffix represented its lightweight design that saved about 440 pounds, unlocking formidable performance and handling. Features common to all CSLs included a lightweight alloy hood and outer door skins, thinner-gauge steel body panels, a lightweight interior, and uprated engine specifications. The 1973 to 1975 model-year cars were the most powerful of the series. Of total production, 500 were delivered to the UK.

On the track, the 3.0 CSL was immediately successful and more than a match for its closest rival, the Ford Capri, creating a sensation in German Touring Car (DTM) and European Touring Car (ETCC) competition. In 1973, Toine Hezemans secured the ETCC championship with a 3.0 CSL, and that year, he co-drove one with Dieter Quester to a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Other important wins during 1973 included a 1-2 finish in the German Touring Car Grand Prix at the N rburgring, with Chris Amon and Hans-Joachim Stuck leading Hezemans and Quester. The 3.0 CSL went on to win the ETCC four more times consecutively from 1975 through 1979, and it was prominent in American IMSA competition. In FIA Group 4, the CSL gained a 3.2-litre DOHC 24-valve turbo engine with 750 hp on tap, taking on and beating even Porsche's 911 RSRs and 935s. A 3.0 CSL was also a canvas for BMW's first ''Art Cars,'' painted by Alexander Calder and Frank Stella.

Offered with a BMW Classic Certificate, this 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL is an original right-hand drive model, produced on January 29, 1973 and delivered new to London, England on May 24, 1973. The car was converted to left-hand drive and was refurbished by Oldenzaal Classics in the Netherlands between 2017 and 2023 before being imported to Canada, where it was acquired by the selling dealer in 2025. This example left the factory in striking Inka (22) paint and was repainted during the aforementioned refurbishment, which also addressed the interior. Replacement graphics, trim, headlights, mirrors, and emblems were installed at that time. Black stripe graphics boldly announce the winning competition heritage of this 3.0 CSL. The Black leather-and-fabric interior includes supportive competition-style front bucket seats. Power is delivered by a 3.0-liter 'M30' inline six-cylinder engine, paired with a Getrag five-speed manual transmission. Other desirable features include air conditioning (updated to modern R134a), and an AM/FM stereo. Michelin radial tires surround a set of 16'' light-alloy Alpina wheels.

Be sure to call us today to see this carefully selected and sophisticated racing-homologation special in person, get full details, and make it yours in time for summer touring and classic-car events!

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