‘L of a BMW
The BMW CSL was the original Ultimate Driving Machine out of Munich and Ian has certainly put that unforgettable slogan to the test. He’s known this CSL for more than three decades and owned it for two, driving it across Europe and generally as much as possible.
“That’s what cars are built for,” he says, and he has the miles to prove it. “I’ve been to France in it, round Spa, down to Goodwood; it’s a really fantastic thing. People don’t use them, when they really should.”
Just six months after the M division was created in May 1972, this car followed 22 previous 3.0 CSLs into the UK. Just 500 were made worldwide, and this is one of only three remaining in this vibrant hue. “Some people wonder whether it’s an original colour; it’s Golf Yellow,” Ian says.
Only really the wheels have been swapped in its 50 years, making it one of the most unmolested CSLs. Now it sits on 16in Alpina rims, rather than the standard 14s, and the four-speeder was replaced under a previous ownership. “It has a dogleg five-speed ’box – the guy took it to GETRAG in Germany. I service the car and I’ve done all the rubbers and perishables, plus water pump and clutch.”
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