BMW 3.0 CSL | Spotted

Why buy the new homage when you could have the real thing?

BMW has been toying with the idea of creating a tribute to the 3.0 CSL for some time now. Back in the 2014, the company revealed the virtual Vision GT concept for Gran Turismo, which took a fair bit of inspiration from the CSL racers of the 1970s and would later go on to form the basis of the M2. A year later, the 3.0 CSL Hommage arrived and served as a one-off to show what BMW is capable of dreaming up – but not actually build.

Now it seems BMW has finally committed to releasing a proper CSL tribute that you can actually buy. If you’re incredibly well off, that is. It’ll based on the new M4 and gets CSL touches such as the roof spoiler and a chunkier rear wing. Even the kidney grilles have been shrunk – and dare we say it looks all the better for it. The reason? Well, as anyone who visited the Festival of Speed this year will tell you, we're neck-deep in BMW M 50^th anniversary celebrations, and apparently the introduction of a regular CSL wasn't enough.

However, with rumours suggesting a price tag into the many hundreds of thousands, you could always just, you know, buy an original. A bit like this one. Sure, it won’t have all the modern bells and whistles that the new one will, but it’s steeped in motorsport history and, with only 500 examples making their way into the UK, still offers more exclusivity than most.

First blood goes to the original, given that it was conceived as a homologation special. BMW was keen to take on Ford in the European Touring Car Championship in the early 1970s, taking its 3.0 CS and giving it a bit of a makeover. The engine was increased ever so slightly to push the car into the ‘over three litre’ category and it was put on a strict diet. It featured thinner steel for the bodywork, while an aluminium alloy was employed on the doors, boot lid and bonnet. Those destined for mainland Europe also ditched parts of the interior trim and soundproofing, giving you better access to that glorious straight six. But UK cars were a little different, retaining some of the soundproofing and the electric windows to give it more of a GT feel.

Not only is this example one of the later examples of the 3.0 CSL, it has also undergone a hefty amount of restoration work. Rust can be an issue on these, so thankfully the car we have here has been de-rusted, protected and repainted in Polaris Metallic Silver complete with period correct stripes down the sides. The suspension has also had rust removed and is protected against future outbreaks. Bilstein shocks have been fitted, too, lowering the car by around 20mm to bring it in line with the European spec cars.

Another noticeable difference here is the engine. The 3,003cc motor originally fitted to UK spec ‘City Pack’ cars has been swapped out for a 3,277cc engine from the E3 saloon, which, as the listing suggests, is a common upgrade for reconditioned CSLs. This should provide a power and torque boost to, again, help bringing it in line with the slightly lighter cars sold in Europe.

While that obviously subtracts from the car's originality, it might be the one that you’ll want to live with and actually take out for a spin. It's not the cheapest CSL on the market at £158,995, but given the sheer amount of work that’s been done it should be a whole lot cheaper to run than a completely original car. However you look at it, there can't be many better ways to buy into the 3.0 CSL experience. Could be a fair bit cheaper than the anniversary car, too.

SPECIFICATION | BMW 3.0 CSL

Engine: 3,277cc, straight-six, naturally aspirated
Transmission: five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 206@5,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 211@4,200rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
Year registered: 1973
Recorded miles: 31,000
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £158,995

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