The early 1970s were a golden era for BMW, as the German manufacturer made its mark in both single-seater and touring car competition. Developed as a lightweight homologation special to meet FIA Group 2 racing requirements, the 3.0 CSL (Coupe Sport Leicht) was a masterclass in engineering ingenuity. BMW achieved a 300-pound (136 kg) weight reduction by removing trim, using thinner steel for the body, aluminum for the doors, hood, and trunk lid, and replacing side glass with Perspex – all in the name of performance. Though visually similar to the production CS and CSi models, the CSL was anything but ordinary.

Completed in March 1972 and finished in its original, vibrant Colorado Orange over black interior, this remarkable 3.0 CSL is a standout example of the landmark homologation special that helped define BMW’s motor sports legacy. One of just 169 first-series, carbureted CSLs built between September 1971 and July 1972, chassis 2212314 is among the purest iterations of the model – lightweight, unadorned, and engineered to meet the stringent racing regulations of the day.

Unlike the later fuel-injected CSLs, this first-generation example features Zenith carburetors, which contribute to a pure, visceral driving experience. As a result, these early-production CSLs are revered today for their mechanical purity and purposeful design.

Delivered new via BMW Italia S.p.A. of Verona, Italy, and sold to a resident of Milan, this first-series CSL is a remarkably well-preserved example of this rare breed. Importantly, the car retains its matching-numbers engine, as confirmed by an official BMW Classic Certificate.

The car’s impressive provenance is supported by a substantial history file. A rare original Italian libretto (registration booklet) accompanies the car, as do subsequent registration documents that attest to its time spent in Italy through the 2000s. In 1995, then-owner Paolo Cristofori applied for and received an Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI) Certificato di Omologazione. By 2008, the CSL was in the hands of Bologna-based enthusiast Lorenzo Matteucci, who campaigned the car in the prestigious Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti rally in 2010. By 2013, it had made its way to the US, joining the renowned collection of BMW connoisseur Peter Gleeson. In 2014, it passed to Victor Preisler, and by 2017 it was acquired by the current owner, a respected East Coast collector.

Displaying less than 75,000 km (approximately 46,600 miles) at the time of cataloguing, this 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL presents today as a highly original, unmodified, and well-maintained example. Offered with its BMW Classic Certificate, documentation file, and Italian-language owner’s manual, this car represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable homologation specials of the 1970s.