1973 BMW 3.0CSi Euro Coupe e9 Low Mileage Sunroof Alpina Fjord Blue

Price: - Item location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Description:

1973 BMW Other European Model

Up for auction is an excellent example of the classic 1973 BMW 3.0CSi 2 door Coupe in the original Fjord Blue. This European model with the higher output fuel injected engine, is equipped with a factory electric sunroof and 4 speed manual transmission. European models typically had a sunroof, no air conditioning, and had the electric windows in the rear, with manual crank windows in the front. The car has numerically matching engine and chassis numbers. According to BMW in Germany, this car left the factory on May 15, 1973. The car was eventually imported by a BMW mechanic that imigrated into Canada and was employed at T&T BMW in Calgary, Alberta. The car was later sold to a professional hockey player who had the car restored by Continental Autobody in Calgary in 1986. This was a high end European body shop that specialized in fine cars and according to the owner himself only lead body filler was used to smooth the welded seams of this e9 body. No other fillers were used. The car was repainted in the Original Fjord Blue using a two stage finish, with 8 layers of clear coat hand rubbed between coats to achieve a beautiful deep lustre. At the time of the restoration, the Alpina Wheels were restored and an Alpina Front Air Dam sourced from Germany was also installed. Reportedly more than $18000 Dollars was spent on the body restoration alone at this time. The interior was also restored by DeGreeve Auto Upholstery in Calgary using carpet and fabrics imported from Germany in an attempt to replicate the original styling. The chrome bumpers were also replated at the time and all of the weatherstripping was replaced.
I purchased the car in August, 1988 with 31,850 miles (51,250 km) on the odometer and it currently has approximately 40,000 miles (65,000 km) on the odometer. I have owned the car for 30 years, and I am now retired and downsizing my home along with my car collection. The car is still in amazing condition considering that the car was restored more than 30 years ago. There are a couple of areas on the body with minor imperfections, notably on the passenger side front fender near the windshield pillar, and another spot on the bottom of the rear quarter panel just behind the passenger door as detailed in the photographs. I have been told that the imperfections are likely due to impurities in the lead filler that was used, as these imperfections have been there for 15-20 years and have not changed in appearance. The argument is that rust would have perforated long ago. I am not a bodyman and it is the responsibility of the bidder to inspect the car and assess the condition for themself. The repair work is minor however the smooth lines of the e9 body make it challenging to blend the paintwork seamlessly, and as a result, I have chosen not to attend to these areas until a complete repaint is required. The paintwork is in amazing condition for the age and is a true testament to the quality of the work that was done during the restoration. There are very few paint chips on the car. The car is not perfect, but in excellent condition for its age, and a fine example of the classic e9 coupe that can be enjoyed in its current state or restored to the highest level.
The car is tight and drives like a new car. The engine runs strong and there are no extraneous noises or exhaust smoke. The transmission shifts smoothly. All of the electrical equipment is functioning except for the horn - it was functioning until recently and I suspect that their is a poor connection in the circuit. The car recently had new brake rotors, calipers and pads installed on all 4 wheels. The tires on the car have plenty of tread left but due to their age replacement is recommended. Sports car drivers are very fussy about their tires so I have left this to the new owner.
The interior of the car is in nice restored condition. The cloth seats were redone as I mentioned and they have minimal wear. There is a crack in the vinyl on the front of the rear seat center armrest that has been repaired. The headliner was never restored and has the typical soiled appearance of a BMW vinyl headliner from this era. The sunroof has never leaked in the time I have owned the car but there is some staining on the headliner so I suspect it may have leaked some time ago. I did replace the sunroof gasket once since I have owned the car as a preventative measure. I also had the door seals replaced a couple of years ago. The wood veneer trim is in excellent condition except for a spot in the rear passenger seat area that had cracked and appears to have been glued at one time. The plastic "chrome finish" bezels around the seat latches that allow the seat to fold forward are cracked, and one is broken through. I understand that these fragile plastic bezels are still available from BMW parts. There is also one piece of chrome trim missing from the floor area alongside the left side of the driver's seat. Other than that I believe that the car is complete. One of the rear speaker surrounds on the rear deck of the car has a chip in the corner. All of the glass is in good condition although there is some typical delamination (cloudy appearance) of the windshield at the bottom edge and some minor pitting of the glass on this BMW windshield.
The car is equipped with a spare wheel and tire, the factory tool kit in the trunk lid is 95% complete and the jack and wheel wrench for roadside tire changes are intact.
I encourage all bidders to inspect the car in its entirety before bidding to ensure that they are satisfied with the condition of the vehicle as all sales are final and returns will not be accepted. Due to the age of the car, the car is being sold "as is" without warranty of any kind. The car is currently stored in a secure facility in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is available for local pickup at this location. If necessary, any transportation of the vehicle will be at the sole risk and expense of the buyer. I am willing to meet the transportation company at the storage facility to assist with loading the car if desired. Full payment for the vehicle is due within 7 days of the auction close and is payable by Cash in Person, Cashiers Cheque or Money Order Certified by the Buyer's Bank, or Bank Wire Transfer to the Seller's Bank. The car will not be released to the Buyer, and title will not be transferred to the Buyer, until the vehicle is paid for in full. No exceptions.I have attempted to present the car as fairly as possible, and I am available to discuss the condition of the car or answer any questions you may have about the vehicle. Please ask questions before placing your bid. This is a gorgeous car that has brought me much joy in ownership and I hope that the new owner will enjoy it as much as I have. I will not disclose the reserve price and I do not expect to end the auction early. Please note that the mileage of the vehicle may change slightly as I may have to drive the vehicle over the course of the auction.