RHD 3.0 CSL for sale ?

[CSLRich]

Due to a change in circumstances, I'm thinking the unthinkable and considering selling my CSL ! At the moment I'm not looking at eBay or specialist press, I'd rather find a genuine buyer via this (great) forum or the owners club.

By way of overview, she's an early RHD City Pack CSL, VIN 034 and probably one of the first batch of "dealer drive back" cars that were driven over from Munich in 1972. first registered October 1972, she has "tax exempt" historic status with DVLA in UK.

I bought the car 18 months ago from a prominent motor journalist. She'd been in dry storage since 1988 so luckily much of her is effectively just 16 years old rather than the usual 40 !

I set about a full but sympathetic restoration. I'm a chartered engineer (with Rolls Royce aerospace) so the car had to be structurally and mechanically great but retain the patina of age.

Despite only 16 years on the road she was rusty in all the usual E9 places, especially boot, arches and sills. All these were replaced or comprehensively repaired as appropriate. All of the main systems were fully overhauled ( brakes, clutch, axles, suspension etc) and new rubbers throughout to keep weather out.

Interior was in good nick, with only the carpets needing replacement. The steering wheel in particular polished up a treat. Scheels and upholstery were cleaned and minor issues fixed (eg split vinyl seam).

Car is painted Verona Red per original. Most of the brightwork was refurbished, again to keep patina and original Alpinas refurbished.

Mechanically the car was strong, having had engine refurbishment just 2000 miles ago (albeit in 1986), so just servicing and replacement of perishables (eg hoses) required.

Whist boot area was being refreshed, the petrol tank was plastic coated inside and all fuel lines replaced. Car was freshly undersealed and waxoyl applied to all cavities to help her survive a bit longer this time !

This is a very original CSL with all the little trim pieces still present. The only non-original part is the rear bumper where I've fitted a LHD lightweight for aesthetics, although I have the original steel and would happily refit it if needed. I've also fitted pattern carpets in black/grey "salt and pepper" but have originals too. Interestingly, despite being City Pack she has factory-fit manual winders.

I have a huge history file and full photographic documentation of the rebuild. I also have BMW heritage certificate authenticating chassis number, colour etc. Engine and chassis numbers match. I also have records of the car on the BMW registry back to early '80s.

I've attached some photos below for interest. I'll happily discuss in more detail if anyone is genuinely interested.

Hard to value given the unique nature of every different car. However she has great provenance & history, is unmolested and drives superbly. Engine and brakes are strong. I'm thinking £38k give or take depending on interest. She's certainly cost me a lot more than that ! Appreciate forum members thoughts on value, however I realise it's only worth what someone will pay...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7873439188/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7873438486/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7873434146/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7873433224/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7873432952/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7873428896/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7873428240/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7873426850/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7873426604/

Please let me know if photos don't work, Rich

 

[CSLRich]

Pics should now be viewable

I've tweaked the settings in flickr so hopefully pictures are visible to all.

Bonnet and bootlid are sitting a little high due to the new seals but will adjust down once they bed-in.

Rich

 

[Arde]

That Verona looks beautiful. Hope all is well as the only circumstances that would drive me to sell such a car start with my employer relocating me to planet Mars, or other worse variants I can think of (relocate to Damascus?).

Good luck in any case and think it over, I can visualize Verona in the red planet landscape...

 

[kdub]

US Import issues

Can anyone comment on degree of difficulty on importing from UK to USA and are there any issues with RHD import to US? Thanks for the insight.

 

[CSLRich]

That Verona looks beautiful. Hope all is well as the only circumstances that would drive me to sell such a car start with my employer relocating me to planet Mars, or other worse variants I can think of (relocate to Damascus?).

Good luck in any case and think it over, I can visualize Verona in the red planet landscape...

Not quite Mars or Damascus but it is a relocation, meaning I need to buy a "normal" car

Thanks for comment on the Verona, I always preferred Polaris but I now love the colour, especially the contrast with the arches and stripes

 

[30csl]

Lovely looking car Rich,

I think the momey you are asking is a lot less than I'd be willing to sell it for. You will probably get a lot of interest from Australia.

Regards,

Rohan

 

[CSLRich]

More pics

Lovely looking car Rich,

I think the momey you are asking is a lot less than I'd be willing to sell it for. You will probably get a lot of interest from Australia.

Regards,

Rohan

Thanks Rohan. *I'm really torn since whilst not absolutely perfect, she is fantastic and a joy to own/ drive. Hence gauging interest via the forum rather than uninformed tyre-kickers. I genuinely believe honest non-bat CSLs could hit £100k by the end of the decade, equally they can deteriorate rapidly if not used and loved.*As many on this forum probably know !

I've attached a few more pics, especially of typical E9 problem areas. Again, as many on this forum know...

Rear boot & fuel tank area
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880440872/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880490088/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880440906/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880440796/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880441054/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880525974/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880523574/

Wheel arches and Outer Sill replacement (inter and inners ok)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880558008/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880533406/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880557050/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880498754/

Engine Bay
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880478938/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/66978992@N04/7880477882/

Hope these are of interest (and amusement for those that have been there). I have several hundred "before and after" photos which I can email.

Rich

 

[Luis A.]

Can anyone comment on degree of difficulty on importing from UK to USA and are there any issues with RHD import to US? Thanks for the insight.

Kdub,

Cars first registered at least 25 years ago can be exempt from DOT and EPA regs when imported into the US. That means you can bring it as it is without "federalizing" it. I detail the importing process on the early posts of my blog as seen in my sig.

In regards to LHD vs RHD, the federal government doesn't care. Not sure if localities care when registering it. Personally I would never drive a RHD vehicle in the US. It would constantly get in my way of an enjoyable driving experience. On the plus side, retrieving the mail from your mailbox would be a snap :grin:

 

[Sportster]

Stable mate

Hi Rich,

I've lurked on Forum for a few years but posted little . Yours has caught my eye as I have 032, also Verona and one of the drive back cars (only found this out after a chat with John Castle at Gaydon in August)

It's a long long way from looking as good as yours. Previous owner had chopped off 18 inches off the front and 18 inches off the back to restore another CSL. Still has original engine and drivers Sheel seat along with the backs but no ali panels.

Would be grateful if you could send pics that you have of restoration.

Shame that you have to sell what has to be the best looking car BMW ever built if probably one of the worst as far as rust protection.

Hope you get what your asking for it or better still, you win the lottery so you don't have to sell!

Regards,

Peter.

PM sent

 

[CSLRich]

Nothing worth doing is ever easy...

Thanks Peter, I've replied to your PM - keep the faith, all the effort is worth it in the end !

Rich

 

[sandhu]

Csl 4 sale

PM sent

 

[Bayerische]

Hi Rich,

I think you are underselling the car.

I know if you gave it to one of the specialist dealers to sell on your behalf they would be asking a lot more than £38K for it, probably £48K. Obviously, they would take their cut.

Pity you cannot keep it. I agree with you that CSL prices will continue to climb. I think the RHD citypack cars are still undervalued, and have been for a long time.

Good luck with the sale and I hope she finds a good home. I don't think it will be around long at the price you are asking.

 

[Neil Beauchamp]

Hello Rich,
I would be genuinely interested in buying the car if you are still thinking of selling it.
I have a 1974 CSI, fully restored ( ouch !! ) but have always hankered after a genuine CSL.
Please let me have your thoughts,
Warm Regards,
Neil Beauchamp

 

[CSLRich]

PM

Hi Neil, PM sent.

Rich

 

[CSLRich]

It's a tough call...

Hi Rich,

I think you are underselling the car.

I know if you gave it to one of the specialist dealers to sell on your behalf they would be asking a lot more than £38K for it, probably £48K. Obviously, they would take their cut.

Pity you cannot keep it. I agree with you that CSL prices will continue to climb. I think the RHD citypack cars are still undervalued, and have been for a long time.

Good luck with the sale and I hope she finds a good home. I don't think it will be around long at the price you are asking.

Thanks for your thoughts - it's a tough one. I picked the £38k to give clear daylight to the dealer cars and gauge interest. Since every car & history is now unique, I really struggled to know what to ask. Part of the logic of going through the Forum was to reduce the hassle, and the commission of a dealer. So far there's been a fair amount of interest and I haven't even mentioned the red-handled screwdriver !

Keeping her could still be an option, certainly when the suns shining like it is today, I do actually think I may be mad...

Rich

 

[classicman]

I have interest for you in South Africa. RHD cars are hard to come by in decent condition, and our laws don't allow the importing of LHD cars anymore. I'll send you a pm.

 

[wage73]

For the amount of time and money spent on the restoration and judging by the photos, I think your asking price should start with a '4' and not a '3'!

Good luck.

 

[CSLRich]

Breaking up is hard to do...

For the amount of time and money spent on the restoration and judging by the photos, I think your asking price should start with a '4' and not a '3'!

Good luck.

Guys, thanks for all your comments. As stated I wasn't sure how to value her but I think you've hit the nail on the head that a sum beginning with a "4" (in £K not dollars !) is entirely appropriate.

I've PM'd all those who've shown interest but I think I'll go to "plan B" and enjoy for a while rather than rush to sell. Pouring over the photo's and files over the past couple of days has made me realise just how my time and effort I've put in and how much I'd miss her !

So thanks for all your inputs, apologies to those whose hopes were raised, but I guess I get to keep my "72 Verona CSL" autosig for the time being.

CSLRich (not just Rich)

 

[chchnz]

Pm sent

 

[Arde]

Guys, thanks for all your comments. As stated I wasn't sure how to value her but I think you've hit the nail on the head that a sum beginning with a "4" (in £K not dollars !) is entirely appropriate.

I've PM'd all those who've shown interest but I think I'll go to "plan B" and enjoy for a while rather than rush to sell. Pouring over the photo's and files over the past couple of days has made me realise just how my time and effort I've put in and how much I'd miss her !

So thanks for all your inputs, apologies to those whose hopes were raised, but I guess I get to keep my "72 Verona CSL" autosig for the time being.

CSLRich (not just Rich)

Good move. Go get a new Fiat 500 for daily use and Verona lives on.