To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Monterey
event, 15 - 17 August 2019.
Estimate:
$175,000 - $225,000
- Offered from the BMW Motorsport Collection of Henry
Schmitt
- One of 169 first-series carbureted CS Lightweights
- Well-maintained restoration by marque specialists
- Fitted with several components from later-series CSL, including
"Batmobile" trunk lid
- Beautifully presented example of BMW's iconic 1970s
homologation special
In 1972 BMW introduced the 3.0 CSL, a homologation special in the
tradition of the 1800 TiSa and the 2002 Turbo. With increasing
engine displacements and a progression of aerodynamic effects
modifications, the CSL became the grist for the marque's
competition forays through 1976. Tremendously successful and
beautiful to behold, thanks to sleek Karmann-built coachwork, the
CSL was a proven race winner in the European Touring Car
Championship, German Touring Car and FIA Group 5 events, and the
American IMSA Camel GT series.
This beautifully restored CSL is one of 169 first-series examples
built between May 1971 and July 1972, notable for carbureted
induction (later series featured fuel injection). Chassis no. 2279
was reportedly originally delivered to Italy, and at some point in
the 1970s the car was exported to the United States and assumed
ownership in the Atlanta area.
Discovered and acquired in 1986 by a well-known BMW collector, the
CSL was treated to a comprehensive restoration during the early
1990s. A Weber carbureted replacement engine was sourced and
installed, mated to a new five-speed manual gearbox. Much of the
restoration was supervised by Paul Schultz of Denver, with parts
sourced from Carl Nelson and advice and expertise provided by model
expert Richard Conway. Completed in 1997, the outstanding
refurbishment included a quality repaint in black, followed by
application of the classic three-colored stripes suggestive of BMW
Motorsport.
Acquired by Henry Schmitt in March 2014, this handsome 3.0 CSL was
soon adorned with a handful of details from the later CSL series,
most prominently including a "Batmobile"-style trunk lid. The
original lid and the original matching-numbers engine block are
included with the car. Presenting beautifully, this authentic and
well-maintained example of one of BMW's most celebrated models
would make a splendid acquisition for any motorsport enthusiast.To
view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.
