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1973 BMW E9 3.0 CSi | 780K HKD "FIRM"



It seems every car company has a springboard car, a vehicle that put them on the map and announced it had arrived. For BMW that car may well be the E9. The E9 chassis was so modernly styled that its basic shape and styling elements sustained through 1989, when the last 635CSi rolled off the assembly line. Today, the E9s have become exceedingly collectible with both purists and racing enthusiasts alike.


Launched in 1965 as an elegantly styled pillarless coupe with a two-litre four-cylinder engine, it wasn’t until 1968 that BMW reworked the model with the Munich company’s refined and powerful SOHC straight six to create one of the finest grand tourers ever made. Codenamed E9, the CS’s Karmann-built bodywork featured revised styling with a much-improved frontal aspect and an interior expensively finished in either cloth or leather, with wood facia and leather-rimmed steering wheel. A twin carburetor 3.0 version was announced at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, with the fuel injected CSI launched a couple of months later using the latest Bosch D-Jetronic system.

With its beautiful lines, purposeful stance and pillarless doors, styled by famed German coachbuilder Karmann, the E9 CSi grabbed instant attention. Powered by a superbly engineered straight six, three litre engine, this fast, sharp-handling cruiser had performance to match its looks. BMW now had a new face look that would come to define the company's image for the rest of the century.


Year: 1973

Body: 2 Doors Coupe

Exterior: Fjord Blue

Interior: Blue

Driver's Sider: RHD

Transmission: Manual

Indicated Mileage: 13,000 Miles (indicated, actual 113,000 Miles)

Location: Hong Kong

Registration: Hong Kong Registered in 2014, 0 previous Owners noted on Registration

THIS MOTOR CAR:


We are pleased to offer this very rare BMW right-hand drive, matching numbers 3.0 CSi, that was originally manufactured in 1973. It is one of only 207 Right Hand Drive CSI’s ever produced, less than half that of the number of RHD CSL, of which a modest 500 were made.


This originally UK delivered CSi was purchased by the current keeper from the UK back in Nov 2011. The car was imported to Hong Kong in 2014 and registered on 25/09/2014 after a 3 years restoration performed by UK specialists. History file started with a Vehicle Condition Advice Report by Classic Assessment dating back to August 2011 indicated that the car seems to have been well-cared for by previous keepers. Cosmetically and mechanically the car was in a good, useable and relatively presentable order. All in all, a very reasonable example of its type but may benefit from a cosmetic improvement along with a little mechanical work to reassure.


Hence thereafter, the car was subjected to a full body refresh in the UK whereas all the brightwork & trims were dismantled, paint stripped, soda blasted and corrosion remediated. All panels were repainted to BMW Fjord Blue. Interior also received equal attention. All trims including seats, door card, dash, glass were dismantled, cleaned, re-assembled with new rubber seals fitted where appropriate. The cost was in the tunes of 200K HKD.


Mechanically, engine was removed, along with gearbox, which were checked, worn-out and damgaed areas were repaired or replaced. New starter motor, wiring, fuel tank, ignition components, fuel hoses were fitted. Total cost around 250K HKD



HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 70's Fabulous Styling and built by the famous coach-builder Karmann

  • Exceptionally Rare, 1 of 207 RHD 3.0 CSi

  • Good & Original Condition, Hong Kong Registered, ready to drive

  • Restored and nothing needed

Classic Insider condition score: 88 points out of 100

CONDITION REPORT:


Original. Restored, well-kept and consistently maintained. Presented in BMW Fjord Blue, the exterior paint is in a refreshed condition with little blemish and exterior trims are in good shape. This example sports a set of handsome Alpina wheels which are un-curbed and relatively fresh tires are mounted. The dark blue velour interior and wood trims are preserved. This car doesn't come with air conditioner from factory. Engine bay and trunk is super tidy. Consistently used but consistently serviced. All service records from Hong Kong are presented.


This very smart 3.0 CSi Coupé is usable on a daily basis and is a stylish way to enjoy classic motoring. Instantly recognisable and a highly desirable collector’s vehicle. This is a wonderful opportunity to own a very special classic whose value is unquestionably on the rise. In recent years, sale prices of its big brother, the legendary 3.0 CSL have dramatically risen and, not unnaturally, the CSi is beginning to follow. This car will be an outstanding addition to any collection

Available Exclusively at Classic Insider. Available for viewing by appointment for serious interest only.

For more info, please contact:

Kenneth Wong

Telephone Or Whatsapp: +852 9013 2536





SERVICE HISTORY


2011 to 2013

Full refresh for body, interior and mechanicals in the UK. Overall the restoration cost in the tunes of around 450K+ HKD.




2014 - 2024 Auto Dynamics

Annual Service and mechanical refresh & various parts replacement performed as they worn out


2023 Paint Refreshed. Cost 80,000 HKD



BACKGROUND AND HISTORY:


BMW's low-budget Isetta 300 microcar had been instrumental in providing BMW with necessary cash flow for the struggling company. The 3.0 CS was also a very important vehicle for BMW, as it helped change the company's image from makers of low-budget automobiles, to quality, performance vehicles. Starting in the late 1960s, BMW introduced the 1600 and 2002, cars that helped create the sports-sedan category and redefine BMW performance. These were followed by the BMW Bavaria, a full-size sedan that combined elegance and performance. Hence, the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' mantra was born, and BMW set its sights on producing a personal sports-luxury car known as the BMW 3.0 CS. This was a low-production automobile with only 1,172 units produced in model-year 1972. The inline 6-cylinder engine was sourced directly from its counterpart full-size 3.0 sedan and could paired with either a 4-speed manual or automatic transmission. The coupe body was labor intensive to build, and thus was sent out to Karmann—a coach builder of impeccable reputation. The result was a beautiful personal luxury car that offered comfort, handling and status.

Produced from 1968-75, the 1972 model had a 3.0L engine that produced 180 HP, an improvement over its predecessors that carried a smaller-displacement engine with less horsepower. Considered to be BMW's pride and joy, the three-liter was in production for the following two decades. Replacing the 2800CS, the 3.0CS was introduced in March of 1971 and featured a bigger 180bhp engine and 4-wheel vented disc brakes. In September of 1971, the 3.0CSi was introduced and featured Bosch Fuel Injection, 200bhp and Longer Final drive. A total of 8,199 3.0CSi's were produced. The 3.0CSL was introduced in May of 1971 and introduced a 3.0 Carb engine, plexi-glass windows, stiffer suspension and sports seats and alloy panels. The following August the 3003cc 3.0CSL replaced 2985cc 3.0CSL.

Each and every coupe was built by Karmann at Osnabrück, in north-west Germany, though saloons were all assembled at Munich. These models used running gear and were shipped 600km from Munich by train. The Karmann business is responsible for building numerous VW Golf's and Ford Escort cabriolets in the more recent years.


** SIMILAR VEHICLES ALWAYS REQUIRED**

Selling? Our brokerage sale program is a great way to utilise and access our marketing services and knowledge while maximising the return of your vehicle with minimal hassle, If you’d like to take advantage of this then please get in touch for further information.

DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website has been compiled by Classic Insider with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. Classic Insider is not liable for any errors or mistakes.

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