Driving a 3.0 BMW CSL at The Classic Motor Hub

SO UM, YEAH, I WANT ONE. #thetoms #bmw #article #classiccars

4y ago
7.9K

Tentatively pulling out and dropping into second, I squeezed the throttle. “Give it a bit of welly” said Martin. So I did.

My god what a sensation: an oozing build up of straight six power. To really reap the rewards of this engine you’ve got to rev it. Whilst that doesn’t feel very civilised in this giant chrome covered executive saloon, it certainly loves it. I think ‘sporty’ is being a bit generous. This is a proper GT car, and certainly not forgetting, a homologation special.

"the engine feels less like Grandad in a tracksuit, more like a 100m athlete running for a bus"


BMW aficionados will know and love the CSL, but for those who don’t, it’s a rare and stunning machine. The ‘L’ in CSL means lightweight - thinner steel and aluminium alloys. The trim and soundproofing was also ditched, although the British importer declared them essential, so UK imports were slightly heavier. I suppose we do like our creature comforts.

"It’s so different to your average classic car because it’s so flawless, so together. "

The seats are more ‘buckety’ than you would expect. Your bottom is planted and whilst your feet are stuck to the pedals, your head is left to scan the horizon, your arms stretched out over the large attractive wheel. It’s got a fair bit of grunt. Naturally aspirated, the engine feels less like Grandad in a tracksuit, more like a 100m athlete running effortlessly for a bus. It’s not a fiend for the corners, although it handles beautifully, the relatively light, direct and supple suspension lends itself to wafting over those country lane bumps as you shimmy the wheel left and right, piloting that farrowed nose onward.


Stepping out as it ticked cool, I turned around. There’s something utterly timeless about the CSL. It’s the level of class and refinement. I’d be surprised if driving around (despite costing £120k) you were ever accused of being too flash. It’s so different to your average classic car because it’s so flawless, so together. There’s no charm in its quirky nature because it hasn’t really got one. It’s untouchably cool.


So what makes me want one over a modern M6? It must be that 70s Beemer style - a delicate alignment of tastes and preferences that put the BMW E9 on a very high pedestal for me. For sheer looks, design and refinement of driving sensation, it’s certainly pretty hard to beat. Maybe the CSI is the better bet if you’re not fussed about the rarity, the 2002 would more suit a squirrelling set of B-road turns. So what does that make the CSL? A piece of BMW’s road-legal race car history. That’s what.

The next classic Motor Hub event is Coffee & Classics on the 2nd JULY!

Join In

Comments (4)

4