BMW 3.0 CS | 1971

BMW 3.0 CS | 1971

Highlights:

– 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, petrol, 4-speed manual transmission

– Finished in the period BMW colour Malaga red

– Exterior bodywork and paint restored, including floor and boot floor replacement

– Replacement engine fitted with an overhauled cylinder head

– Swiss documents, French customs clearance certificate 846A and certificate of conformity

The private seller offers for sale this 1971 BMW 3.0 CS, powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. This E9 coupé is finished in Malaga red, a deep period colour that suits the elegant pillarless lines of the car very well. It returns to the road after some 40 years in storage, and since then a substantial part of the work has been carried out. The exterior bodywork and paint have been restored, without a full bare-metal blast. The metalwork included repairs to the wings, replacement of the right-hand wing, and the replacement of the floor and the boot floor. The sills have received a cavity treatment, and the fuel tank has been treated with Restom and Blackson products.

On the mechanical side, a replacement engine has been fitted with an overhauled cylinder head, and the wiring loom, running gear and brakes have been addressed. The car sits on five Alpina-style wheels, four of which carry new tyres. The engine bay and the interior have been left untouched and in their original state. The tan interior, with its distinctive pleated seats, shows its age and offers the next owner the opportunity to finish the car to their own taste. The windscreen seal is due for replacement. The car comes with its Swiss documents, the French customs clearance certificate 846A and a certificate of conformity.

The E9 coupé series was introduced in 1968 as the 2800 CS and grew into the 3.0 CS in 1971, when BMW fitted its new 2,985 cc M30 straight-six. With twin carburettors and around 180 hp, the 3.0 CS was a genuine high-speed grand tourer, capable of cruising comfortably at speeds well above most of its contemporaries. Bodies were built by Karmann in Osnabrück, and the coupé also formed the basis of the legendary 3.0 CSL homologation special that dominated European Touring Car racing in the 1970s.

Designed under Wilhelm Hofmeister, the E9 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful BMWs ever made. The slim pillars, the absence of a B-pillar with all windows lowered, the shark-nose front with the twin kidney grille and the Hofmeister kink in the rear side window give the car an airy, almost timeless elegance. Combined with the smooth, torquey character of the straight-six, the 3.0 CS is a highly sought-after classic, and this Malaga red example, with much of its bodywork and mechanical work already completed, offers an attractive basis for an enthusiast to complete the car.

Condition of the bodywork & paint

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Condition of the interior

1 — Poor. Severe damage or mechanical issues; may not be drivable.

Technical condition

2 — Fair. Noticeable wear and aging; drives but has issues.

Overall condition

3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in: Vienne department, France.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a French registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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