The first performance car cranked out by BMW’s famed M division (for Motorsport) in 1971 was the 3.0 CSL, a lightweight homologation special equipped with a goodie bag of racing preparation. The CSL (which stood for Coupe Sport Lightweight) was a rambunctious hot rod with limited production, built by the German automaker through 1975.
The Pick of the Day, a 1974 BMW 3.0 CSL, is one of the winged wonders that earned the model’s nickname of Batmobile for its dramatic collection of spoilers, flares and fender-mounted air guides. Add to that a stunning paint scheme and the CSL was a standout on the track and on the highway.
This CSL is No. 47 of the “first batch” of 3.2-liter fuel-injected cars, with the engine rated at more than 300 horsepower, and 4-speed manual transmission. This one has been upgraded with a 3.5-liter M30 engine and 5-speed, but the original drivetrain comes with the car.
The extremely cool bodywork on this street racer includes rare rear-wheel flares to accommodate larger BBS wheels. The car sits on 16-inch Alpina wheels, and the original BBS alloys are included in the sale.
These CSLs were very capable competition cars, consistent winners in European Touring Car Championship racing as well as IMSA in the U.S.
Just 110 CSLs were produced for 1974, and 76 of them had this Polaris Silver paint treatment, according to the Scotts Valley, California, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.
The BMW has been driven just 23,882 miles (38,434 kilometers on its metric odometer), the dealer says, and is documented by BMW as an original factory 3.0 CSL, with VIN 2275477. It was repainted once and stands in excellent, high-performance condition, the dealer adds.
“2275477 is one of the finest original examples we have seen. No rust, no issues,” the ad says. “The underside of the car is immaculate, and the interior, from the correct Scheel sport seats to the dash woodwork, looks as new.
“Fully detailed and serviced, this CSL is ready to represent one of BMW’s finest hours.”
The ad for this BMW does not include a price tag, so you’d have to contact the dealer to find out the cost. But take note that values for 3.0 CLS models in nice condition have essentially doubled in the past few years, so expect this one to have a price tag well above $300,000, according to the Hagerty Price Guide.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Hmmm….possibly over $300,000.00 for the Chevrolet of German cars. Imagine that…and that fool and his money soon parted.
I am looking for one same quality