1975 BMW 3.0 CSA

It will come as no surprise that this car is in need of extensive restoration to bring it back to its former glory. This right-hand drive automatic-transmission 3.0 CSA is being sold by the widow of an avid car enthusiast and collector. This CSA has barely been driven by the current owner or her late husband, as it was purchased as a donor car for another BMW restoration project. The car has ticked up 97,929 miles on the clock but it has been in barn storage for some years, since the owner’s late husband acquired it in 2016. This CSA comes with its original car key, BMW emblems for the wheels and an authentic stainless-steel sign which reads: ‘Automatic’ to sit on the side door. However, from speaking to the owner, it is going to need more than a new battery and an oil change to get this car started.

The body, paintwork and chrome need attention, as the car has clearly been exposed to moisture and there doesn’t seem to be a panel that has escaped the clutches of rust and corrosion. Paintwork is damaged throughout, the roof bares evidence of rust, the bonnet is watermarked and the finish on the doors and side panels has dulled and rusted. Areas that have been particularly overrun by corrosion are the boot lid, the inside of the bonnet, the rear windscreen surround and the sills/footwells. The front of the car is in the best order, though the lower valance has a split on the lower rim on the right-hand side and shows evidence of rust. The lights throughout look in decent shape, with no obvious cracks.

The interior of the car is weathered, worn and it is in a state consistent to that of the bodywork. The cloth and vinyl upholstery is marked, with the front passenger seat baring a tear to reveal the inner foam. The cabin has clearly been exposed to water as the carpets have perished throughout - the floor corners by the driver’s seat and front passenger seat are worst affected. The accelerator pedal has been dislodged and corrosion appears to be most extreme by the driver’s seat. The car does not seem to be watertight as the floor by the front passenger seat looks damp. There is evidence of rust by the front passenger floor corner, which suggests that the car is rusting from the inside. There are exposed wires, which means the electrics will likely be in need of attention. The dashboard and door panels show evidence of being exposed to moisture as the veneer is peeling off. In the boot, there is mostly painted metal on show. Under the boot floor there is space to store a spare wheel, which is missing. The internal vinyl ceiling is in need of a clean but there doesn’t seem to be any material damage.

The state of things under the bonnet is commensurate with the rest of the car. From speaking to the vendor, and because this car has been in storage for so many years, it is very unlikely that the car will start. Though the M30 single-overhead cam engine is long-lived and the rocker cover looks in decent order, the exhaust manifolds seem to have been disconnected and the air filter has been dislodged, leaving the carburettor exposed. The heater unit is corroded and there is evidence of rust on the strut tower on the driver’s side.

There are no two ways about it: the underside of this CSA evidences significant amounts of corrosion and rust. Parts of the rear floor panel have completely perished, particularly the front floor corner on the passenger side. The metalwork around the spare wheel and fuel tank evidence rust and the sills and footwells are corroded. The suspension and wheel axles also appear to be covered in rust.

This CSA has a patchy service history but there is proof that some work has been carried out on the car over the years. Whilst the only MOT test certificate is from 1985, this car has had four floor pans fitted (in 1990), its boot seal replaced (in 1991) and new parts for the exhaust installed in 1993. Though not dated, there’s an invoice for just shy of £2,000 for a new carpet set, rear and front wings.

Undoubtedly it will be a sizable undertaking to bring this Beemer back to its former glory and whoever buys this car will need an appetite for a large-scale restoration project. That said, for the right person, it could be worth it, as over the last twenty years or so, global interest in 1970s grand touring cars has taken hold - and these cars were among the first to rise in interest and value. It’s also worth mentioning that there is no reserve listed on the car but, balancing the growing appeal of these grand touring cars against the amount of work required, we think you’ll need to part with somewhere between £8,000-£12,000 to make this car yours. The popularity of E9s has grown enormously, particularly among younger classic car fans, so this is an exciting opportunity for someone keen for a project.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in Ipswich. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.