Even for a company with so many iconic models, the 3.0 CS is a standout. In the era when the transformative 2002 was making a huge impact and establishing itself as the blueprint for the sports sedan genre, the 3.0 CS had the design impact that shaped BMW's for decades. It was among the first models to have the reverse rake to the nose, where the top edge leans ahead the bottom edge, also seen in the 2002 and the E3 2800 sedan. The dual round headlights were also to become the BMW signature, and last but not least, the back side window having the angled kick-up at the trailing edge - now called the Hoffmeister kink, the name of the designer that applied it.

But it wasn't just getting noticed for its signature lines - it also had the inline-6 that, in various forms, was the heart and soul of the Bavarian Motor Works and their commitment to balanced, front engine / rear wheel drive cars. While it was the four-cylinder engines that had helped BMW become successful, the creamy smooth inline six became a BMW staple that lasts to this day.

But those are the shared attributes of the BMW's from this era. While they were also properly handsome in their restrained Teutonic way, it was the slim-pillared 3.0 CS coupe that garnered the most attention. The earliest version of these larger BMW coupes, the 2000 CS, was certainly handsome, but its squared-off headlight desgn and narrow grill opening gave it a very stern look. With the full-width grill and four round headdlights, redesigned as they made the nose larger in general to accomodate the inline six, the difference in look was immediate and obvious, and the car was a hit from the beginning..

BMW went on to capitalize on the sucess of this generation of their cars, and with their coupes, helped to make BMW such a ubiquitous name among enthusiasts. These CS's were game changers for BMW, but the CS has been rising in value because of its exceptional details. While the exterior still attracts incredible attention, the interior of these cars are filled with large swaths of wood, curving into the edges of the sweeping dashboard and making an immediate statement. The next generation of big coupe, the E24 6-series that debuted in 1977, had increased the drama of the exterior very effectively, but the interior was a study in minimalism compared to the E9 3.0 CS - functional, nice quality as far as assembly went, but simply nowhere near as warm and inviting as the E9.

For sale now is a 1971 BMW 3.0 CS Coupe. It is finished in Nightblau Metallic over a light tan interior, and is powered by a 3.0 liter inline-six cylinder engine that produces 180hp, running power to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission.

This exceptional E9 chassis BMW is in concours condition. With a 2nd in class showing at the Monterey Historics, this young classic has minimal blemishes or cosmetic flaws, is in excellent running condition, and is mostly original with period correct upgrades.

This example adds special subtle upgrades that are period-correct, and carried out with enough care that they could easily be factory items. The bumper mounted foglights are so right-sized for the car, that they appear to be factory installed, especially with the yellow lenses. The other perfect upgrade are the Alpina alloy wheels, with the thin straight turbofan spokes, and with their bright silver paint finish, complement the dark Nachtblau finish perfectly. Everything inside and out of this 3.0 CS is in excellent condition.

There is no question that this is an excellent example for anyone looking for the perfect E9 coupe - but it can hold its own against any classic.

For full details, please see listing at sbxcars.com