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Curated Auction

1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Supercharged

At a Glance

Point A | Point B | Point C

  • Mileage~4,926 on the clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.0L Supercharged
  • LocationUlverston

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£0
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

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Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

Only ~1,265 units of the original 3.0 CSL were produced, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.

The 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL is one of the most iconic models in BMW’s storied history, known for its role in establishing the marque's motorsport credentials and for paving the way for BMW's future M division. Introduced as a homologation special to allow BMW to compete in the European Touring Car Championship, the "CSL" stood for Coupé Sport Leichtbau—or Coupé Sport Lightweight. True to its name, the CSL featured extensive weight-saving measures, including thinner steel body panels, aluminium doors, bonnet and boot lid, and the removal of soundproofing and trim. Some early models even lacked power steering and standard bumpers, further reducing weight.

Powered initially by a 2,985cc straight-six engine, early CSLs produced around 180bhp, with later versions increasing to 3,003cc and eventually to 3,153cc in the "Batmobile" variants. These later models boasted dramatic aerodynamic appendages and were immensely successful on the track, helping BMW dominate touring car racing throughout the 1970s. Despite its motorsport origins, the CSL was still a refined grand tourer, offering a balance of comfort and high-speed composure.

Coming to auction from ~36 years of ownership, this lovely 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL is no ordinary model, as it has been significantly enhanced with the addition of a supercharger, improving both performance and usability.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Stephen the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

“I bought one CSL, which was nice, then a dealer offered me this one, which was much better”

Long ownership is something we often see—usually 10–15 years—and people tire of owning the same car. Not Stephen, who owns this rather special 3.0 CSL, which he has cherished for the past ~36 years. Now that’s long ownership!

Stephen, an engineer, has been a dedicated owner and has made it his mission to improve the BMW whilst retaining drivability. Improving the car has been a long process, which lasted for 10 years and involved a lot of head scratching. The result is a custom-fitted supercharger for the 3.0-litre CSL, along with improved brakes and suspension, to create a super-smooth, powerful, and very usable classic BMW.

Stephen
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

It’s a pillarless coupé from the 1970s—what’s not to love about the styling of this iconic BMW.

Wheels and Tyres

With a subtle upgrade over the standard 14” wheels, the 16” Alpina wheels are in good condition, showing no signs of corrosion on the faces.

All of the tyres are in good order, with plenty of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery for detailed shots.

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Bodywork

Walking around the BMW, the bodywork is in good condition. There are a couple of very minor dings, which are age-related. The panel gaps are equal, and the doors, boot, and bonnet open as you would expect.

High-resolution images and videos have been provided, so please review all media to assess the car’s condition thoroughly.

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Paint

The paint on the BMW is said to be pretty much all original, so there are some odd chips here and there, all adding to the fantastic patina of the BMW.

Images are taken from multiple angles to give you a realistic impression of the car, just as if you were standing beside it. Please take the time to examine these high-resolution images and videos to assess the condition for yourself.

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Glass and Trim

The windows are in good condition and free from any scratches. The CSL’s party trick is lowering the rear windows to reveal the pillarless coupé.

All of the lights are in good condition; however, we did notice a small split in the offside front indicator lens. A Webasto roof adds to the charm and works correctly, especially when embarking on that long tour.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The interior may show some patina, but it’s still very comfortable and supportive.

Seats and Carpets

The original shield-badged seats have some patina to the red and black leather, which does show signs of age. The rear seat is in good condition, as are both door cards.

Throughout the car, the carpets are in good order. These can also be removed to reveal the floor, where no surface corrosion was spotted.

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Dashboard

Free from splits or cracks, the dashboard is in good order, as is the wooden veneer. The instruments are working correctly, with the odometer showing ~4,926 miles.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A MOMO Prototipo has been chosen to navigate the BMW. This is in good condition, with just a small amount of patina to the leather rim. The same can be said for the gear knob, all in keeping with the age and mileage.
Please refer to the interior gallery for more images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Together with the help and knowledge of Dennis Priddle, a top fuel drag racer and designer, the pair created the ultimate supercharged CSL.

Engine and Gearbox

The journey to create the supercharged 3.0-litre straight-six hasn’t been easy, but it has been very successful.

The first part of the project involved lowering the compression ratio from 9.5:1 to 8:1. This was achieved using low-compression American market-spec Mahle pistons. The supercharger is an Opcon Autorotor S102 Supercharger, which has been neatly installed on the side of the block—so neat that it looks like it came from the factory that way.

It is, of course, not as simple as that, and many custom parts have been made to accompany the conversion, which Stephen will be happy to discuss with the lucky bidder.

The car fires up without hesitation and runs superbly, with no issues mentioned.

There is a Getrag five-speed close-ratio dogleg gearbox fitted, which is an ex-Prodrive unit from a 1980s BMW road rally programme. The change is quick and precise, perfectly geared for the CSL to make the most of the supercharged 3.0-litre.

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Suspension and Brakes

Taking care of the handling and providing a very smooth ride are a set of adjustable Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs. There are no knocks from either corner, and the car handles superbly.

The brakes bring the car to a stop in a straight line, with no juddering through the pedal and no issues reported by Stephen.

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The Drive

Driving the 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL is a visceral, engaging experience that blends classic GT comfort with motorsport DNA. With its lightweight aluminium panels, minimal soundproofing, and free-revving straight-six engine, the CSL feels alive on the road. The steering is precise and full of feedback, while the engine's smooth power delivery and raspy exhaust note add to the drama. This, of course, is enhanced even more with the addition of a supercharger and upgraded suspension, making the drive that extra bit special—and it really is!

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Electrics and Other

All of the electrics in the car are said to be working correctly. There is a small amount of age-related wear to the switchgear, but nothing excessive. The centre console features additional gauges to monitor the essentials required for the supercharger.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

The history file is an encyclopaedia, brimming with information and handwritten notes for the conversion.

There are a significant number of invoices included, showing various parts purchased during the conversion. The most valuable items are the hand-drawn diagrams and occasional notes, as well as email correspondence discussing the conversion, which spanned ten years.

In addition, there are some spares included with the sale, some of which include the original 14" wheels and tyres, the original four-speed gearbox and various other parts.

This car has been a true labour of love for Stephen, who was determined to use his skills and knowledge to create his dream CSL—which he has done. The success of this has understandably made the decision to sell the car that much more difficult, but with that said, the decision has been made, and some lucky bidder will become the proud owner of a very cherished and unique BMW 3.0 CSL Supercharged.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time—we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win—just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
04.06.2025 MOT 104,932
03.09.2017 MOT 102,488
28.07.2016 MOT 100,673
03.08.2013 MOT 98,240
10.09.2012 MOT 95,463
15.08.2011 MOT 93,024
12.08.2010 MOT 91,963
10.10.2007 MOT 91,268
11.09.2003 MOT 89,298
29.05.2002 MOT 85,304
29.05.2001 MOT 84,036
26.05.2000 MOT 82,807
19.09.1998 MOT 79,602
29.07.1997 MOT 77,296
13.07.1996 MOT 76,726
06.05.1995 MOT 73,745
05.03.1994 MOT 72,227
22.08.1992 MOT 70,672
08.06.1991 MOT 67,474
30.08.1989 MOT 64,788
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Key Details
  • Model CSL
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 16.10.1972
  • CC 3003
  • Mileage ~4,926 on the clock
  • Colour Red
  • Interior Colour Red/Black
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # 2285059
  • Engine # 2285059
  • Restored No
  • Engine Rebuild Yes
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 10
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned 36 years
  • Key Feature Unique supercharger conversion
  • Auction ID 2909
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Ulverston

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    Vehicle Location

    Ulverston

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