This is one of only 500 CSL models built in right hand drive form and it must be one of the nicest, it is matching number, finished in its original shade of Chamonix White, has covered only 62,000 miles from new with a great history and has benefitted from a recent comprehensive refurbishment programme.

The car was ordered new with the popular “City” package, an option that consisted of electric windows, extra sound deadening, full bumpers and wheel arch extensions, making the CSL a much more practical everyday proposition. It was registered when new on the 17th October 1972 by, and to, BMW dealer, Bates of Maldon in Essex as noted on the original buff logbook on file. A second owner, Mr Brian David Lawes, purchased the CSL in July 1975, he retained the car for just a year before selling it to dealer, Stephen Pilkington, well known particularly in Ferrari circles. Pilkington sold the CSL several days later to a Mr Robert Norris based in Hayward’s Heath. Mr Norris retained the car for many years until its export to the USA in the mid 1980’s. The car returned to the UK following many years in storage in 2017 and sold immediately to the current owner who had been looking for a very good CSL for his collection for some time.

On its return to these shores the CSL was inspected and found to be a very original, lightly used example that had clearly been well looked after over its life and importantly it retained the original now hard to get CSL features. In addition it came with a great history including the original stamped service book indicating regular servicing by BMW dealers, early MOT certificates including the first issued in 1975, together with much correspondence allowing us to document the life of the car.

Following purchase, the last owner, a well-known historic racer, collector and man of exacting standards embarked on a renovation programme, the aim being to make the CSL a great example whilst not destroying the wonderful original ‘feel’. To this end the body was stripped and any corrosion removed before being built back up using original BMW parts if the originals could not be refinished. All mechanical areas were rigorously inspected and rebuilt or replaced as necessary, this included a full engine, gearbox, rear axle, brake and suspension rebuild. A large number of invoices on file detail the work completed, suffice it to say in excess of £60,000 was spent.

The reward of this work and a careful 1,000 mile running in period is a CSL that drives beautifully whilst retaining the appearance of a lightly used original example. This car really does explain the iconic status of the CSL model.