Market Find: Ceylon Metallic 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL in RM Sotheby’s Münich Sale

The BMW 3.0 CSL is one of the most collectible vintage BMWs going, a rare and highly sought-after iteration of the brand’s E9-based coupé. Like its period motorsport competitor the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, few CSLs were built and the collector market tends to keep close track of where they are and when they’re coming on the market. It’s notable then when RM Sotheby’s plans to sell one in their upcoming Münich based auction.

Motorsport intentions were always the plan with the CSL, and to accomplish that BMW engineer set about light weighting it via generous use of aluminum in the doors, hood, and trunk lid. These and other measures helped aid its shedding some 440 lbs. BMW built just 1,265 unites, of them just 500 were built as right-hand drive like this one. Racecars derived from these roadgoing homologation specials would net six European Touring Car championship titles from 1973 to 1979.

The 1972 3.0 CSL in question (Vin: 2285250) is a a peculiar build both in configuration and specification in that it’s both right hand drive and painted Ceylon Metallic (ceylon; metallic UNI; 008; BMW). And though its lot description from RM denotes a likely replacement engine, it still expected to fetch anywhere from €120,000 – €160,000 Euros. Compared to a 911 Carrera RS 2.7, that’s a relative bargain.

Below is the full lot description of the car and gallery. To see the full lot listing including associated documents, as well as registration to bid, check out the RM Sotheby’s website HERE.

[source: RM Sothebys]

• One of just 500 right-hand-drive examples of the revered CSL homologation special; fitted with a fuel-injected 3,003-cc engine making 200 PS
• Finished in rare Ceylon Metallic; features period-correct and desirable Scheel sports seats, Petri three-spoke steering wheel, plus electric rear windows
• Bought by The Munich Masterpieces Collection in 1999; benefits from an older restoration
• Accompanied by a history file, owner’s manual, tool kit, jack, and spare wheel

The rarest and most sought-after variant of the beautiful E9 coupé, the 3.0 CSL arrived with aluminium doors, bonnet, and boot lid to help shed some 200 kilograms. Building 1,265 units allowed BMW to homologate race cars that would notch no fewer than six European Touring Car titles between 1973 and 1979.

Just 500 CSLs were configured in right-hand drive, including this example that was completed by the factory in December 1972. Equipped with the potent Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection system, the sonorous straight-six produced 200 PS. Please note that this car is fitted with what is believed to be a non-stamped factory replacement engine.

The consigning owner, intent on finding a rare Ceylon Metallic car, imported chassis 2285250 to Finland in June 1999. The following year, a restoration and repaint was commissioned. Today, complete with the desirable Scheel sports seats, Petri three-spoke steering wheel, 14-inch CSL alloys, and electric rear windows, as well as being offered with a Birth Certificate by BMW Classic, this example would be a superb addition to any marque or motorsport-themed collection.