Rare Find: Driving a 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL for a Proper Review!

Join us in this exclusive video as we take the rare and iconic 1972 BMW 3.0CSL for a spin! Check out our latest Gold GT40 video if you haven't: • The Legendary 1966 GT4...
This isn't just any classic BMW - it's a highly sought-after first series, factory lightweight, carbureted Homologation Special. Gary presents the history behind the first car that the BMW Motorsports division put its hands on after Alpina proved the concept. This car is one of 169 Carbureted Lightweights produced, and one of 55 Golf Yellow cars. The car has the original numbers matching Carburetor and 3.0L Inline 6 cylinder.
Visually indistinguishable from its more run-of-the-mill relations, the CS and CSi, the 3.0 CSL (Coupe Sport Leicht) was the very first model designed and developed by BMW's Motorsport division, The BMW engineers’ solution to the marketing department’s requirements was to develop a limited-production-run homologation special to meet the constrictive framework of the Group 2 racing class regulations. Homologated initially with a fractionally over-bored 3,003-cc engine enabled it to compete in the over 3-liter class. By removing the trim; using thinner steel for the main body shell; aluminum alloy for the doors, bonnet and boot lid; and Perspex for the side windows, a valuable 300 pounds (136 kg) in weight was saved.
This early-production Series 1 CSL Lightweight is one of the first 169 cars equipped with twin Zenith 35/40INAT downdraught carburettors before the switch to fuel injection. Completed at the Munich-based Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) plant on April 27th, 1972 this rare, homologation-special CSL was one of only 55 finished in Golf Yellow over a black interior and delivered new to its first owner in Verona, Italy. Since the 3.0 CSL was never offered here in North America, this example was imported into the USA by a California resident in 1982.
From there it remained in California for most of its life, remaining in extremely original condition. This highly original BMW 3.0 CSL retains its matching numbers carbureted 3.0L six cylinder engine. In 1996, it was selected to be displayed as exemplar of CSLs by BMW CCA at Monterey Historic Races. Today, this sporting BMW coupe displays a wonderful, light patina throughout, and has the feeling of a car that has never been taken apart.
#bmw #beamer #vintagecars #classiccars #1972 #legendarymotorcar #garyklutt

[@windronner1]

One of the most beautiful, significant and relevant coupe ever made. I even assisted in restoring 15 years ago. Fantastic.

[@legendarymotorcar]

Love to hear that John. Tell us more!

[@torpedience]

I have a 4 series which I feel is a grandchild of the 3.0CSL. I've never driven one. Compared with newer cars it seems airy and delicate. It's absolutely beautiful in a very Bavarian way, with possibly the best iteration of the shark nose. The side windows (and early Hofmeister kink) are exquisite.

[@MFE92]

What an amazing, airy greenhouse on that car. Simply can't be done today!

[@davevandenberg6765]

Wow awesome car... great video, thought I was in a time machine watching a young Peter reviewing a car from 30 years ago....

[@thegarykluttpodcast]

Thanks Dave it was a pleasure to drive this one!

[@rickarra1833]

This was one of the best shows

[@danielpfister6774]

Awesome review of the "legendary" BMW 3.0CSL ... it is always fun to learn a little more about the philosophy behind designing a race winning car! Thanks from Colorado ...

[@JohnParker-Funnycar]

I recall that Pete Cole’s the landlord of the Kings Head pub in Wells, Somerset had a CSL back in the day. As a young teenager I was impressed with the decals on the door warning you “do not slam!”

[@andrewmeasures2312]

Great video. I had a 3.0 csl Alpina back in the late 70's and I think it was probably the most enjoyable and exhilarating car I have ever owned. Lovely to see this beautiful, pristine first edition. 👍👍

[@_markos_4147]

This car is absolutely sunny BTW. I love the exterior patina also.

[@eugenelazarev9795]

Such a fantastic machine, simple and looking good in this shade of yellow! Thanks for taking care of automotive history!

[@patk8417]

I worked on a few of these BMWs and thought, at the time, 'this is the car'

[@SimonWallwork]

Just a really beautiful car. I saw a real 3.0CSL Batmobile at the Glasgow Motor Show in 1971?. Nobody wanted them!

[@stevey-nwas1230]

Every bmw classic guy wants one know

[@islandaerial3414]

When BMWs weren't junk

[@daliborcvitan7745]

This video was joy to watch. Drop dead gorgeous car

[@andrelapointe1983]

Nice job showcasing Gary, thanks!

[@johnnyboy1586]

My favorite bmw😊

[@margaretbehler4935]

Nice! Classic beauty.

[@wojtekp3212]

Great color, great seats, wow 🎉🎉

[@_markos_4147]

I think you guys did a great job with this video. I’ll be honest most sellers get many of the facts wrong but you were pretty spot on. This isn’t a pre-production prototype however. It’s the second time I’ve heard this coined in the past two weeks. The 169 CSL’s were production cars that contributed to the homologation. Manufacturers don’t build nearly 200 prototypes before going into production. This CSL is about 150 into the 169 produced. All of the carb CSL kinks were worked out. 😎 There were a few prototype or very early carb CSL’s. The inka on the cover of the factory CSL brochure is one example.

[@legendarymotorcar]

Hey I appreciate the correction always learning!

[@downeys1]

Where have you been? Not nearly enough videos from you guys. I always respect your presentations. Great car btw.

[@thegarykluttpodcast]

Thank you! We’re back to weekly videos stay tuned

[@davidbranch1077]

Lovely classic ❤💯👍

[@nolahahnshouse3389]

I’d wanna car like that😍

[@robertmitchell9276]

Work of art.

[@GForceVRX]

It’s such a beautiful look car

[@carbonfiberdiet3746]

Nice work !

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

The smiles tell all 😎👍🏼

[@Scalihoo]

Love my BMW. 📣

[@leddygee1896]

Not a fan of the Yellow paint, but That car is beautiful!!❤

[@tekis0]

Shark-nosed, baby!

[@carlosoruna7174]

A nice clasic. But a new Golf GTI is way better.. Nostalgia

[@mikelyon5595]

Wicked!

[@laurenlanneval968]

🎉🎉🎉

[@Dr.Bigglesworth]

You review a LOT of cars I've had over the years. Thank you! I wish I kept them all... The 3.0 CSL was one of my favorites, looks and over all driveability wise. But, it was pig! Very heavy and much oversteer. Not very fast or quick. Though it was a sedan/coupe, and it was a great street sedan/coupe, especially for the day. If not the best for the day. You said carbs. I believe mine had Bosch mechanical injection. And yes, mine was a CSL, not a CSi. Maybe it should have been called a CSLi? ;-)

[@stevey-nwas1230]

This CSL is the 1st edition with 180 bhp ie with carbs Next edition came with fuel injection with 200 bhp Final edition CSL was the batmobile with the 3.2 engine

[@briancavanagh7048]

When BMW made good looking cars.

[@MangoNizer]

Very elegant vehicle, but how can it be legal in the states with this tiny front bumper?

[@Adrian-qb1dx]

U forgot the 2002 turbo. That started it.

[@DeeCee-nb6ev]

Why do reviewers always seem to mention golf clubs? The vast majority of folk do not play golf or have any interest in golf.

[@natjes6017]

I´m with ya! Driving a car like this, golf would be the least of my considerations 😁

[@billfly2186]

I think a lot of guys who want this car actually do play golf. Imagine driving up to the course in this. Anyway, the golf clubs was just a reference point to what the trunk can hold.

[@legendarymotorcar]

Fair point. We're not big golfers, but this specific paint is called "Golf Yellow" - 1 of 55 in this colour!

[@pyrexmaniac]

I wish they would say how many bodies could fit.

[@crhvideo]

What I missed a bit in your great video is the 'leicht' in Leichtbaucoupe. (That's what the L in CSL stands for). Big weight savings in Aluminum body panens and doors, perspex side windows). And the E9 even in race clothes is still one of the most elegant and beautiful cars ever made.

[@bearmegmoo]

Still no match for the Valiant E49 Charger @ 302 bhp

[@rolkaz1804]

Ohne Kennzeichen herumfahren 🤔

[@californiamicke9527]

🚗🇸🇪🙂👋👋