1972 BMW 3.0 CS ($58,000)

Photography by Matthew Alvarado

1972 BMW 3.0CS

• Location: Austin, Texas
• Engine: 3.0 L twin carb
• Transmission: Five-speed manual gearbox conversion (originally automatic) 
• Color: Verona Red / black leather

PRICE: $58,000 

Inquire: 72bmwCS@gmail.com

Our Market Finds Contest had some great submissions, and we appreciate everyone’s participation. We have selected this concours-winning 1972 BMW 3.0CS, which has been our friend Phil Auldridge’s pride and joy during his recent retirement. First, some background on the CS itself, considered by many to be one of BMW’s finest.

BMW’s Iconic GT Car

BMW’s Neue Klasse cars are recognized as having been largely responsible for the company’s survival through the ’60s and ’70s, and subsequently, BMW celebrated its solvency in 1968 with its flagship coupe, the CS. Smartly, BMW ensured enthusiasts would be talking about the car for decades after it homologated the CS into the instantly-idolized CSL “Batmobile”, a car that helped to build its sports car credibility. 

The 3.0CS’s “shark-nose” design was an evocative balance between aggression and elegance. This artful nose, low waistline, and pillarless windows contribute to a timeless design that we absolutely adore. 

The Car

A true custodian and enthusiast, Phil purchased the car in Seattle in 2008 as the estimated 4th owner (2nd and 3rd owners were a father and son) and drove the car back to his home in Texas.

Officially, Phil is a retired gentleman, but describes himself as “gainfully unemployed” by dedicating himself to his automotive passion. On any given weekday, you can find him far under the hood of a car in his garage, which is better equipped than many mechanic shops. A true do-it-yourselfer, Phil prides himself on servicing his modest collection, a pursuit he says is the key to appreciating the unique engineering in all of his vehicles. Phil’s weekend gig is running Austin Classic Limo with his wife, which started as a unique way to enjoy his pre-war Cadillac and has grown into a popular wedding service in Austin, Texas. 

Phil’s Verona BMWCCA Concours D’Elegance-winning Red on black European-spec BMW 3.0CS has seen less than 5,000 miles during its tenure in Texas.

CONDITION

Exterior Highlights

• Refinished in its original color
• Euro spec: slimmer bumpers and CSL wheel arches

Exterior Blemishes

• Small nick in the paint on truck area

Interior Highlights

• Nardi wood steering wheel
• New leather on front and back seats
• Electrically operated sunroof and rear quarter windows

Interior Blemishes

• Odometer does not work (all other dash items work properly)

Mechanical Highlights

• Euro spec: higher compression pistons

Mechanical Blemishes

• Registered accident on vehicle record: small item on Phil’s car-lift fell onto CS A-pillar, and repaired by a professional shop
• You can see an entire album of the underside of the car here.

ORIGINALITY

•  Original tool kit
•  Refinished in its original color

Non-original items:

•  AC blower mounted in the trunk
•  5-speed manual gearbox conversion (originally automatic) 
•  Non-original stereo unit
•  3 Weber carbs (replaced troublesome Zenith units)

OWENERSHIP TIMELINE

• 1972 – 1987 | Unknown
• 1987 | Eddie Lo’s Father – Seattle – 145,651 KM
• 2003 | Eddie Lo – Seattle – 156,700 KM
• 2004 | Major Restoration
• 2008 | Phil Auldridge – Texas

RESTORATION

• Underwent a $45,000 documented restoration in 2004 
• Minor rust under driver side foot repaired
• Resprayed with 4 coats of high-quality 3M paint
• Re-covered dash top
• Top-end engine rebuild with port and polish service
• Refinished all wood paneling, original wheels, emblems, hood, and fender grills
• Rechromed bumpers, driver’s side mirror 
• New parts include: wiper motor, hood seal, Ansa header, rear muffler, KYB shocks, center tie rod and control arms, all hoses, all rubber seals, headliner, headlamps, suspension bushings, fuel lines, drive shaft, clutch, flywheel, and brakes 

OUR THOUGHTS

The 3.0CS has been an under-the-radar classic for most its life, and in our experience, we find their owners generally take great care of them. We love these cars for their drivability and quality; BMW truly made a car that owners around the world are seriously enjoying more than 40 years later. Whether you are adding to your collection or indulging in your first vintage car, we only ask one thing of this car’s next custodian: drive it.