There’s Nothing Quite Like A BMW 3.0 CS With Hidden Superpowers

Photography by Alex Bermudez

With years of automotive history behind us, we’ve reached a point where it’s possible to create a bespoke car. Sure, coachbuilt specials have been around forever and the modifications seen here aren’t too extreme, but the fact is that Joshua Stern had an idea of his perfect classic BMW coupé—and made it a reality.

The result is a 1973 BMW 3.0 CS that’s been treated to extensive modifications, inside and out, that are equal parts supercar and subtle. From the ground up, of course: a full bare metal restoration was the first step in a process that eventually led to the fitment of modified BMW CSL suspension with stock-looking coilovers, a 350 horsepower S54 3.2-litre inline-6 cylinder engine and 6-speed transmission from a 2003 M3, and extensive tuning to ensure the car performed as reliably as possible.

Some of the more subtle details are easy to spot, like the Brembo brakes (from the E46 M3 Competition Pack) and 16-inch Weds wheels. But when learning of the scope of changes to the car when corresponding with Stern, it’s actually probably easier to just list the things that haven’t been altered.

Inside, a restored CSL scheel interior was completed by Juan Ortiz, which is set off by an astounding level of detail: Italian black walnut satin-finished trim made by a cabinet maker in Costa Mesa, CSL package tray, hidden air conditioning system featuring hood vents from a CS coupé, GPS-driven speedometer…and a custom houndstooth seat cover so Stern’s beloved English Bulldog could enjoy the car too.

The list of collaborators is extensive, and Stern made a point of saying that without Jeff Tighe, John Esposito’s Porsche Repair, Juan Ortiz, Castro Motorsport, RK Tunes, and others, this build wouldn’t have been possible.

Hopefully, Stern’s to-do list has only one more box to tick:

☑︎ Enjoy.