1973 BMW (E9) 3.0 CSi

This BMW 3.0 CSi is a stunning example of a coveted 1970s classic cruiser, presented in remarkable restored condition. It is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six with Bosch fuel injection, producing around 200bhp, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates just 64,055 miles.

First registered in October 1973, this is an original UK-market car with no import markers on HPI. There are six previous registered keepers on the log book.

For more than 20 years leading up to 2018, the car was in dry storage, and it was subsequently discovered by the owner of a BMW-approved body shop. The specialists stripped back the factory underseal to reveal a “near perfect” body shell that was free of rust and previous welding. A sympathetic restoration followed, with the aim of taking it back to a superb standard, but without disturbing the original parts that were still in great condition. It was restored to be part of the owner’s personal collection, therefore no stone was left unturned and it was treated with a ‘spare no expense’ attitude.

With no accident damage or corroded panels to worry about, the body and underside were refinished to an exceptional standard - the former in elegant Fjord Blue - which the seller states is near concours standards. The paintwork is said to be flawless and every panel arrow straight. There are some very small scuffs to the original chrome trim in places, some light pitting to the original brightwork and some discolouration in the corners of the original windscreen, but in general this 3.0 CSi presents in superb order. It would be a fantastic companion for national or international shows. The car rides on period-correct BBS Mahle alloys, which are in pristine condition.

Inside, the navy blue velour is understood to be entirely original, and as such presents with signs of age, but with no untoward wear. The CSi retains its smart wood gear knob, and has an elegant three-spoke steering wheel ahead of the clearly laid out set of instrument gauges. The only blemish noted by the seller is an imperfection in the driver’s door card veneer inlay. There are no known electrical faults with the car’s controls or dials, and no warning lights on the dashboard.

Its last scheduled maintenance was at 64,000 miles at the BMW-approved body shop that carried out the restoration. Beyond the beautifully refinished underside, chassis and bodywork, the engine was treated to new injectors, and given all new fluids and filters to ensure it was in good running order. The clutch was replaced, along with all of the brake discs and callipers, as well as the fuel tank, fuel lines and brake lines. The ancillary components were either thoroughly cleaned or replaced, and as such the engine bay presents in virtually as-new condition, new matching tyres were fitted all round.

Accompanying the car is a set of good quality images that document the restoration - shown in the gallery below - as well as some invoices for parts and work during the comprehensive rebuild and refurbishment.

This BMW 3.0 CSi is a stylish and sophisticated cruiser from the marque’s striking ‘New Class’ design era. With the involving combination of a characterful straight-six and a manual gearbox, this is a 1970s classic to be driven and thoroughly enjoyed. It is presented in an elegant colour scheme, is in wonderful condition throughout, and would make a fine addition to any collection.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.