For Sale at Auction: 1972 BMW 3.0CSL in Carmel, California

Chassis No. 2212437

Introduced in May 1972 as BMW's homologation special for the European Touring Car Championship, the 3.0 CSL represents the most focused development of the E9 coupe. Built to a total of 1,265 examples in its earliest form, it was conceived with competition eligibility as its primary objective, resulting in a significant program of weight reduction and mechanical refinement.

The designation "L" stands for leicht, or light, reflecting extensive engineering measures aimed at reducing unnecessary weight. These included thinner-gauge steel for the unitary body, deletion of sound insulation and trim, aluminum doors, bonnet, and boot lid, and Plexiglas side windows. The result was a notably lighter and more responsive grand touring chassis, closely aligned with BMW's factory racing program.

Powered by the 3.0-liter inline-six as fitted at launch, the CSL delivered strong midrange torque and an inherently mechanical character suited to both road use and motorsport adaptation. The lightweight construction amplified the engine's responsiveness, creating a platform that would quickly establish itself as a benchmark in touring car competition.

This early-production example is finished in evocative Golf Yellow over a black interior, retains its desirable first-series carbureted specification, and was delivered new in Verona, Italy, on 14 August 1972. Accompanied by a BMW Birth Certificate, owner's manual, and tool roll, this example presents as a largely original early-production CSL. Reportedly imported to the United States in the early 1980s, it was later selected by the BMW CCA to represent the model at the 1996 Monterey Historic Automobile Races. While the five-digit odometer displays 20,469 kilometers, according to the history file, that number is likely 120,469 km or approximately 74,856 miles at the time of cataloging. Blending a high degree of originality with its handsome specification and striking color combination makes this CSL one of the most compelling examples currently on offer.