Original CSL, matching numbers! BMW started producing weight-reduced touring cars based on the 3.0 CS in May 1971. In addition to an aluminium bonnet and doors, the CSL (Coupé Sport Lightweight) also have thin metal roofs and a range of other lightweight components right down to the carpet. The 3.0 CSi – of which only ever 429 left-hand drive cars were produced – was only used as the basis for the CSL in the model year of 1973. In this version, the engine bore was increased by 0.25mm compared to the standard 3.0 CSi to give a displacement of 2,986 cc. This is just one example of how obsessed BMW was about every little detail of its latest creation. As of August 1973, the CSL's were fitted with a 3,154 ccm engine. Even though they only had about the same power as that of the standard coupé,the CSL were about 130 kg lighter and more than anything, significantly more lithe thanks to their lightweight construction. The CSL is considered the very first of the cars produced by what later became BMW Motorsport GmbH, which, at the time was still a division of BMW. The present, Ceylon metallic, CSL was supplied new to Italy and purchased by the vendor in 2015, who was assured in writing by the then keeper that he had purchased the car from its first owner at a mileage of 126,000 km. Although not roadworthy in 2015 following a lengthy period in storage, the coupé's beautiful, solid and original condition was so pleasing as to completely take the vendor in, as a result of which he purchased it. Due to the damage to the paintwork, the vendor subsequently had the BWM repainted in its original colour. The certificate issued for the new paintwork emphasises that the car did not feature any accident damage and only required minor repairs. There are also photographs showing the car before it was repainted. The corner areas of the a-column under the windscreen in particular are original and free from rust. The interior has been reconditioned to a very high standard. As part of this work, the seats and side lining was covered with new authentic material, the lightweight carpet was cleaned and is hence still original, as is the Audiola radio. Due to the car's modest mileage, the engine and gearbox only underwent a major service and the injection system was overhauled. The decorative strips are also still original, as are the wooden bars in the interior, which means that the CSL has been spared being turned into a new car. Working in close collaboration with a CSL specialist, the vendor has managed to bring back to life a fantastic, because authentic, limited-edition car. The CSL's components have either been overhauled or repaired as necessary, but the vehicle's condition did not call for the kind of traditional restoration in which everything is taken apart and replaced. The vehicle's restoration focussed on quality, which the certificate appropriately emphasises and applauds – and which makes this car one of a very limited number ever built, fewer still of which survived and few of which are actually still original CSLs. As further confirmed by the manufacturer himself!

VIN: 2275385 Mileage: 126,163 km (original) Displacement: 2,966 ccm/R6 Gearbox: 4 gears Power: 200 bhp Colour: Ceylon metallic/black Papers: German registration documents