Classic Cars & Practical Classics.pdf

BMW 3.0 CSL TOURING CARSOWNING A BMW 3.0 CSL‘It hasn’t seen asmuch action as I’dlike because of workand life getting in theway,’ says TristanJudge, ‘but it doesget a lot of appreciative nods andpositive comments from friendsthat know about classic cars.’Judge spent a considerableamount of time looking and tookadvice from a friend in the trade.‘This one was bodily the best,and had also had a recent enginerebuild. Selecting the right one hasbeen the most important decision.I’ve bought some classic carsprivately but was happy to take thespecialist view on this one.’Since owning it he’s tinkered –adding rear seatbelts, headrestsand replacing the clock. ‘There’sstill some work to do, as the brakesneed an overhaul, but the rest of itis all there. Sometimes you have todig for parts, but most things areavailable. I do a little bit of racingand track days but this isn’t thecar for it. I’ve nothing particularlyplanned but just to get out there,lower the windows for the old pillarlesslook, and enjoy the fresh air.’1973 BMW 3.0 CSLEngine 3003cc, inline 6cyl, sohc, Bosch D-Jetronic mechanicalfuel injection Power and torque 200bhp @ 5500rpm; 195lb ft @3700rpm Transmission four-speed manual, rear-wheel driveSteering Power-assisted worm and roller Suspension Front:independent by MacPherson struts, coil springs, telescopic dampers.Rear: independent by semi-trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampersBrakes Discs front and rear Weight 2780lb (1270kg) Performance0-60mph: 7.1sec; top speed: 135mph Fuel consumption 18mpgCost new £6399 Price range £22,000-£50,0003.0-litre straight-sixpacks a 200bhp punchClean lines of the BMlook a decade youngerthan the steroidal CapriRoss realisesthat the BMW isn’this to take homeof understeer or oversteer – those deep bucket seats now makeperfect sense – just exceptional levels of stability and balance. It’sinstantly confidence-inspiring, and gives a tantalising glimpse intowhy it made the perfect basis for an all-conquering racer.In 1974 after the fuel crisis exploded the works BMWs retreatedfrom ETCC battle, leaving the privateer Alpinas and Schnitzers toscrap with the new Capri RS3100 kid on the block.Unlike the Ford effort, which ended suddenly with the companywithdrawing from all major European competition the followingyear, the CSL racers continued to run riot, bagging a further fiveETCC titles as well as achieving considerable success in the NorthAmerican IMSA series.Interior looks good butbucket seats madeRoss feel a bit too faraway from the action51