To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' London event, 24 October
2019.
Estimate:
£60,000 - £80,000
- Offered from the Youngtimer Collection
- Recent comprehensive restoration
BMW's decision to stretch the wheelbase of the "New Six" or E3
chassis, which had been on sale since 1968, was in direct riposte
to Mercedes-Benz's launch of their W116 S-Class in 1972. Based upon
the highly rated E3 3.0S, the resulting 3.3 Li featured the same
chassis lengthened by four inches and a stroked six-cylinder engine
to achieve the capacity increase to 3.3 litres. Power of 190 bhp
was available at 5,500 rpm, and the additional torque on offer
ensured that progress was swift and effortless, especially when
channelled through the standard four-speed automatic gearbox.
Indeed, despite being smaller than the S-Class in absolute terms,
the 3.3 Li was more than a match in terms of luxury, boasting
air-conditioning, leather upholstery, electric sunroof, and
first-class stereo as standard.
This 3.3 Li was produced in 1975 and specified in Anthracite Grey
Metallic paint with tan leather interior and wooden trims. It
presents in fantastic condition outside, inside, and underneath,
largely thanks to a comprehensive restoration undertaken in Germany
in 2014. It was acquired by its current owner soon after the work
had been completed and has since covered less than 1,000 km. It is
accompanied by original sales brochures, owner's manuals, complete
toolkit, and a detailed log of all works undertaken since the
completion of the restoration. This would be a fine addition to any
BMW collection or equally as a stand-alone classic.To view this car
and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf19.
