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Is this Europe’s finest car museum?

September 20, 2023

In the case of The Manor of the Automobile – or Le Manoir de L’Automobile – looks can be deceptive. Arriving from the pretty Brittany village of Lohéac – and ignoring the obvious clue of the race circuit on the right-hand side – you might think you’ve arrived at a farmhouse for Cidre Breton and crepes.

However, behind the pretty facade is one of the most remarkable car museums in Europe, with more than 400 vehicles of all types, ages and nationalities on display – including a huge variety of French classics and Group B rally cars.

Le Manoir de L’Automobile is open every day apart from Mondays and entry costs a relatively affordable €14 for adults and €10 for children under 16. We dropped in for a guided tour of this magnificent museum. Keep reading for some of our highlights.

The French connection

Through the dimly-lit reception area and past the obligatory shop, you’re presented with a hall of French veteran and vintage cars, appropriately named the Hall of Ancestors.

Around 35 years ago, Le Manoir de L’Automobile was still a farm. Michel Hommell, who had been collecting cars since the age of 18, purchased the site with a view to housing his ever-growing collection in one place. It took 15 years to complete, with the vehicles displayed in 15,000 square metres of exhibition space.

Citroen Traction Avant

Turn the first corner and you’re greeted with the sight of a pair of elegant Citroen Traction Avants.

Produced between 1934 and 1957, the Traction Avant is considered the godfather of the modern automobile and was the first mass-produced front-wheel-drive car.

A pair of Panhards

Today, the Panhard name exists as a part of Renault Trucks Defense, but the French carmaker stopped building its own cars in the late 1960s.

Some 130,000 examples of the stylish Panhard PL17 were sold before production ceased in 1965.

Alpine stars

The display of Alpine cars is the first hint that Le Manoir de L’Automobile museum might be about to send your jaw hurtling towards the polished floor.

It’s a sea of Alpine Blue and yellow headlights, flanked by backlit dealership logos. Magnifique!

Alpine A110

The original Alpine A110 sports car was based on the Renault 8 Gordini and proved to be a formidable force on the world rally stage.

The current version of the A110 was unveiled at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show and soon gathered rave reviews. Alpine is now entering a new phase as the sportier sub-brand of Renault.

Jaguar XJR-11

From the days when tobacco sponsorship was still permitted in motorsport, and delivered a number of iconic liveries…

The Silk Cut Jaguar XJR-11 must be up there with the Marlboro McLaren and John Player Special Lotus in terms of instant recognition.

Audi Quattro S1

Le Manoir de L’Automobile’s display of Group B rally cars is well worth the €14 entry fee alone.

If this brutal, short-wheelbase Audi Quattro S1 doesn’t grab you…

Nissan 240RS

…then how about this lesser-known Nissan 240RS from the same era?

The rear-wheel-drive Group B rally car was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and raced from 1983 to 1985.

Lancia 037

It’s a Martini Racing overload, with Markku Alén’s Lancia 037 and a Lancia Delta S4 behind it. Count the spotlamps!

Alén and Lancia were joined at the hip throughout the 1980s, with often spectacular results.

Renault 5 Maxi Turbo

In 1986, Carlos Sainz and Antonio Boto finished second in the Spanish Rally Championship in this Renault 5 Maxi Turbo.

Check out the numerous videos on YouTube to see this mid-engined hot hatchback in action.

MG Metro 6R4

Another hot hatchback with its engine in the back, the MG Metro 6R4 was arguably even more extreme. That bodykit still looks like something from Max Power magazine.

In 1986, Didier Auriol won the French National Championship in this very car.

Ford RS200

Kalle Grundel drove this Ford RS200 to third place in the 1986 Swedish Rally, his best ever Group B finish.

Peugeot 205 T16

It needs no introduction, does it? The Peugeot 205 T16 won the World Rally Championship in 1985 and 1986.

Le Manoir de L’Automobile also includes halls dedicated to Ferrari, Lamborghini, French cars, Formula 1 and more. Make it a stop-off on your next holiday to France. You won’t be disappointed.

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1988 Ferrari Testarossa owned by Nigel Mansell heads to auction

September 19, 2023

A 1988 Ferrari Testarossa first owned by Formula 1 driver Nigel Mansell will head to auction later this year.

The Testarossa marked a significant chapter in the British racing legend’s motorsport career, along with being a desirable classic Ferrari in its own right.

It will be sold as part of RM Sotheby’s London auction, which takes place on Saturday 4 November at Marlborough House.

Enzo’s final appointment

By the late 1980s, Nigel Mansell had established himself as one of the leading drivers in Formula 1. Racing for Williams, he claimed second place in the World Drivers’ Championship in1986 and 1987. Both times, it was ultimately bad luck that denied Mansell the overall title.

A season of disappointment with Williams in 1988 saw Mansell make a bold decision, signing to race for Ferrari in 1989. He was the last Formula 1 driver to be personally chosen by company founder Enzo Ferrari, who died in August 1988.

Commemorating Mansell’s decision to join Ferrari, this Testarossa was presented to the Birmingham-born driver shortly before Christmas 1988.

Original property of The Lion

Mansell’s 1988 Testarossa is one of only 500 examples to have left the factory in right-hand-drive configuration. A combination of red paintwork and cream leather were chosen for the Ferrari.

Correspondence included with the car confirms it was delivered to Maranello Sales, the official Ferrari dealer based in Egham, Surrey.

A 390hp 4.9-litre flat-12 engine is rather less powerful than the 660hp V12 found in Mansell’s F1 company car. Nonetheless, the Testarossa was still capable of 180mph.

Mansell is believed to have owned the Ferrari until December 1993, when it subsequently passed into private ownership.

More F1 memorabilia

Today, the Testarossa retains its original matching chassis and engine numbers. Just over 10,000 miles have been recorded on the odometer, although this was previously replaced.

A metal plaque inside the door commemorates Il Leone’s ownership of the Testarossa, as does a fitted luggage set with Mansell’s initials.

The connection with the 1992 Formula 1 World Champion will undoubtedly drive up demand for this Ferrari, as will its low mileage. It comes with a pre-auction guide price of £150,000 to £200,000.

RM Sotheby’s will also host an extensive sale of Nigel Mansell’s personal possessions next month. Previously housed in his own museum, the Legacy Collection auction includes trophies, race-worn helmets and even a motorcycle.

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1982 Mercedes-Benz W123 review: Retro Road Test

September 18, 2023

Drive a Mercedes-Benz W123 (officially the ‘W 123’) and you will never look at cars the same way again. Own one and you will never look back.

When it created the W123, Mercedes-Benz left nothing to chance, delivering a worthy successor to the Strich Acht (Stroke Eight) that was every inch the Mercedes-Benz S-Class for the family man.

What are its rivals?

I added a very gold 1982 230E auto to my fleet of old cars back in September 2015. Here are my thoughts on driving and owning a W123.

It would be too much to suggest the Mercedes-Benz W123 is a car without equal, but to some it’s the high watermark in the German company’s long and illustrious history.

As the precursor to the E-Class, the W123’s arch-rival would have been the BMW 5 Series, initially in E12 guise, but latterly as the E28. The BMW was certainly the sportier of the two, but the Mercedes-Benz took quality to new heights.

Other rivals included the Audi 200, Citroen CX, Peugeot 504, Ford Granada, Vauxhall Carlton and Volvo 244, but the W123 truly was in a league of its own.

The project started way back in 1968, and Mercedes-Benz took a no-expense-spared approach. Its sole aim was to build the world’s finest saloon car. By the time it was launched in January 1976, the W123 had been subjected to eight years of rigorous testing, with crash safety at the heart of its development. The engineers in Stuttgart left nothing to chance.

What engine does it use?

The W123 was mostly powered by a range of engines carried over from the ‘Stroke Eight’, but a new 129hp 2.5-litre six-cylinder (M 123) petrol unit was developed for its debut.

Other engines included the 94hp 200 (2.0-litre), 109hp 230 (2.3-litre) and 280/280E, offering 156hp and 177hp respectively. Note, the ‘E’ stands for einspritzung, which is German for injection.

The diesel range included the 55hp 200D, 60hp 220D and 65hp 240D, while the flagship oil-burner was the five-cylinder 300D, which mustered 80hp. The engine range was later revamped to include a fuel-injected 230E (as tested here) and – for some markets – a 125hp 300D turbodiesel.

What’s it like to drive?

You can tell by those power outputs that a W123 is never going to offer autobahn-storming levels of performance, although the six-cylinder 280 models are hardly lethargic.

The four-cylinder diesels and 2.0-litre petrol engines can feel sluggish, especially when trying to keep up with today’s traffic, but the 2.3-litre engine offers the best compromise of performance and fuel economy.

Time seems to slow down when you’re driving a W123, with everything feeling more relaxed and composed. It feels big, with a huge, clutter-free steering wheel giving the impression that you’re a captain steering a land yacht.

Acceleration can best be described as ‘leisurely’ and you’ll be able to recite a few lines of poetry while waiting for the four-speed automatic transmission to engage the next gear. Yet it all somehow adds to the appeal. Sit back and enjoy life in a W123.

It’s the ride comfort that really stands out. Today, you’d probably need to spec Airmatic air suspension to get anywhere close to the softness and suppleness of this car, which seems to float over rough surfaces, smoothing the road out with grace and aplomb. It’s quite literally from a different era, when steel wheels and tyres with large sidewalls ruled the roads.

Reliability and running costs

These things were built to last and intergalactic mileages are not uncommon in a W123. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t approach ownership with your eyes wide open, as these cars are up to 40 years old and rust could be a big problem.

That said, a well-maintained example should provide effortless reliability, with potential problems ironed out by a strong network of independent specialists.

Since buying mine in September 2015, I’ve averaged 27.7mpg, which is perfectly adequate for a large, petrol-engined car of the era. I’ve read reports that 30 to 35mpg is possible on a long run, but if fuel economy is your thing, you’ll be better off with the diesel version. Or buying a more modern car.

As for the six-cylinder engines, if you break into the low 20s, you’ll be doing well.

Could I drive it every day?

Absolutely. Two years ahead of its launch, Mercedes-Benz sent a number of W123s around the world for testing, including to faraway places such as South America and Africa. To this day, you’ll find them enjoying active service as cheap-to-maintain runabouts and taxis in many corners of the globe.

A few years ago, it was estimated that some 55,000 W123s could still be found operating as taxis in Morocco.

It’s a surprisingly easy car to drive, with superb all-round visibility and a feeling of lightness, which is unexpected for a vehicle of this type and era. My car weighs 1,360kg, which is a shade lighter than a new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Don’t expect infotainment screens, iPod connectivity and head-up displays. Do expect a comfortable and relaxed drive to work.

You’re also spoilt for choice when it comes to body styles. At launch, the W123 was available as a saloon and coupe (CE), but in 1977, Mercedes-Benz launched its first estate car, known as the T, for Touring and Transport. The internal designation was S123, with the ‘S’ standing for Stationswagen. Today, the T is the most sought-after model, not least because it can provide reliable everyday transport for growing families.

How much should I pay?

In common with other cars on the cusp of classic status, prices vary depending on condition, mileage and history. According to the latest Practical Classics price guide, you should expect to pay between £1,100 and £8,250 for a 200 or 230, and slightly more for a 250 or 280.

The CE (coupe) models, which are rarer than their four-door cousins, command a sizeable premium – typically twice the price. You’ll spend even more for a low mileage estate car, which are in demand as versatile, everyday classics.

Look after a W123 and you’re unlikely to lose any money. Improve one and you may even make a small profit. In the meantime, simply enjoy what is a sensible and quite delightful everyday classic.

What should I look for?

Although the W123 offered better rust protection than its predecessor, corrosion still has the capacity to kill a mechanically-sound car.

Standard checks apply, such a rot around the sills, jacking points and wheelarches, but there are a number of notorious trouble spots to look out for. These include the front wings, battery tray, inner sills and sunroof opening. Check beneath the underseal, which can hide a multitude of sins.

If you intend to use your W123 everyday, the 2.3-litre engine makes a great deal of sense, offering performance close to that of the six-cylinder units, but with the benefit of improved fuel economy and reduced costs should things go wrong.

It’s still possible to buy new parts from Mercedes-Benz, but a specialist such as Mark Cosovich of W123 World would be a good first port of call for support and advice.

Should I buy one?

If you’re thinking of buying one, don’t hesitate. If, on the other hand, you’ve never previously considered a W123 and fancy a future classic you can drive everyday, put one on your shortlist.

It might not be the most expensive, the cheapest, the quickest or the most beautiful car I’ve ever bought, but it’s arguably the best. Spend some quality time with the W123 and evidence of its craftsmanship will shine through.

Few cars offer such a supreme blend of charm and classlessness. Be warned: once you’ve owned a W123, all other cars might seem rather ordinary.

Pub fact

Production of the W123 saloon came to an end in November 1985, but the estate lived on until January 1986. A total of 2.7 million were built, of which 2,389,140 were saloons, 199,517 were wagons and 99,884 were coupes, with the remainder used for special-purpose bodies, such as ambulances

Around 1,080,000 were exported overseas, with the 240D the most successful model. The 230E was the most popular petrol-engined version of the W123.

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Auction Car of the Week: 1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32

September 15, 2023

One of the truest tests of a vehicle’s greatness is the legacy it leaves behind. The Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 is not only a fantastically capable and exciting sports car, it also established a template still followed by Nissan more than three decades later.

The R32 was launched in 1989, primarily to dominate the Group A class of motorsport. And dominate it did. It won the Japanese Touring Car Championship four times in a row and finished first in two consecutive Australian Touring Car Championships.

Along with trophies, the R32 picked up something else Down Under: its ‘Godzilla’ nickname. It has stuck with the GT-R ever since.

Fast and furious

Four-wheel-drive and four-wheel-steering systems are key to the Skyline’s legendary handling prowess, but the main source of its blistering pace is an extremely adaptable engine. The 2.8-litre turbocharged straight-six in this example produces around 600hp – on par with the Group A racing version.

As you’d expect for a Skyline, the car has been extensively modified. High quality branded parts include a Tomei stroker kit, HKS engine control unit, Denso injectors and Tein coilover suspension.

Care has been taken to create a balanced and usable road car. For example, the R32’s increased turbo boost is matched by appropriate fuelling upgrades, while its greater performance is reined in by bigger brakes.

Gauge your interest

There are also some official ‘OEM’ tweaks on the car, such as a rare Nismo gauge cluster from the early 1990s.

This example spent 30 years on the grit-free roads of Japan before being imported to the UK in 2021, and has been carefully maintained throughout its life. It comes with a full Japanese service history and plenty of paperwork covering its many modifications, plus an advisory-free MOT until next February.

Car & Classic’s auction for the 1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, in association with Retro Motor, goes live
today and runs until 22 September 2023. The car is expected to sell for between £30,000 and £35,000.

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Auction Car of the Week: 1976 Citroen CX 2200 Pallas

September 8, 2023

Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1974, the CX is one of Citroen’s most instantly recognisable cars. Some enthusiasts consider it the final ‘real’ Citroen, as the last car launched before the company was acquired by Peugeot (in what became PSA).

The CX combines many of the features that made upmarket Citroens so beloved, including idiosyncratic design, hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension, a quirky interior and a low drag coefficient.

The latter was so important, in fact, that Citroen named the car after it. ‘C_X‘ is the scientific notation used to represent drag coefficient in fluid dynamics.

Back to the future

All this outside-the-box thinking didn’t seem to deter buyers, and the CX found success as a versatile executive saloon. It later went on to claim the title of European Car of the Year in 1975.

This car has only covered 68,000 miles in the hands of its five former owners and has clearly been scrupulously maintained. The original owner’s manual, service books, MOT certificates (the car is now exempt, of course) and even handwritten maintenance notes from the 1970s and 1980s are all supplied as part of the sale.

From an era when Citroen was at its most forward-thinking, the CX also comes with disc brakes, power steering and a robust 110hp 2,175cc engine, all of which are in fine fettle.

Sacré bleu!

The CX’s famously zany interior is also pristine, allowing its next owner to marvel at the rocker-switch indicators, single-spoke steering wheel and bright blue velour upholstery. Frankly no staid-and-sensible German car of the 1970s can compete.

Rarer than the iconic Citroen DS, but with much of the same charm and significance, the CX is a futuristic French fantasy made real.

Car & Classic’s auction for this 1976 Citroen CX 2200 Pallas, in association with Retro Motor, goes live today and runs until 13 September 2023. When bidding closes, the car is expected to fetch between £15,000 and £20,000.

Can’t get enough of ‘real’ Citroens? Car & Classic has another Citroen CX coming up for auction on Saturday.

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Auction Car of the Week: 1999 Plymouth Prowler

September 1, 2023

The Plymouth Prowler stuck a middle finger up at the notoriously tepid American cars of the 1990s. During a decade that favoured playing it safe, Chrysler’s outrageous roadster did anything but.

Inspired by the hot rods of the 1930s, the Plymouth Prowler was – and still is – a very dramatic-looking machine. It is characterised by exposed front wheels with cycle wings, plus a two-piece bumper to cover them.

Other stylistic touches such as the Prowler’s huge haunches, ‘chopped’ convertible roof and wild factory paint colours all bolster its custom car aesthetic.

Seeing the bright

The Prowler Yellow colour seen here, one of 12 offered throughout the car’s production life, might ordinarily be among the more outlandish paint options. However, both Purple Metallic and Inca Gold Pearl make this spec look relatively restrained.

The Chrysler’s muscular appearance is backed up by a lively 3.5-litre 24-valve V6 engine, good for just over 250hp and swift acceleration. Combined with an aluminium body, near 50:50 weight distribution and a rear-wheel-drive layout, the Prowler offers simple, unsophisticated fun.

Just over 30,000 miles have been covered by this Prowler, half of which were in the sunny and dry Californian climate. The car was imported to the UK in 2008.

A modern classic

The Prowler is in impressive condition, with no signs of rust underneath. Its black leather interior only shows minor signs of wear in the expected areas. It also comes with a tow hitch, capable of hauling the custom Prowler trailer available in-period.

The new owner will inherit the original handbooks and workshop manuals, as well as some service history paperwork – including the California title document. The DVLA website reveals a strong MOT history, with no advisories during the last two years, which should offer peace of mind for a car rarely seen on British roads. Its current MOT expires in March 2024.

Car & Classic’s auction of this 1999 Plymouth Prowler, in association with Retro Motor, is now live and runs until 7 September 2023. The expected sale price is between £20,000 and £25,000.

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Auction Car of the Week: 1972 Opel Manta A

August 25, 2023

The Manta looks set to join the Ford Puma and Mustang Mach-E as a modern sports-car-turned-SUV – previewed in a new concept shown off by Vauxhall earlier this month. But if an electric Manta SUV doesn’t light your fire, you might be interested in what Car & Classic has to offer.

The original Opel Manta A was launched in 1970 and shared many similarities with its 1968 arch-rival, the Ford Capri. Both were mildly sporting, front-engined, rear-driven coupes, and both proved to be a commercial success.

However, time has been harsher to the Opel than to the Ford, and only around 60 remain on British roads. That makes the Manta a rare sight – especially in this kind of condition.

A manual Manta

This Manta’s 1.9-litre cam-in-head motor was the most powerful engine available in Europe, serving up around 90hp. The four-speed manual transmission is another sought-after option, being far more suited to sporty driving than the three-speed automatic.

First registered in 1972, the Manta was purchased for £1,315.98, and has only seen one additional owner since then. As such, its history has been well preserved, and the car comes with the original sales invoice, manufacturer owner’s manual and service portfolio.

Among the paperwork are invoices for an extensive restoration over 11 years, which was finally completed in 2014, returning the car to excellent condition. The odometer reads 125,757 miles, but the car has clocked up less than 2,500 miles during the past decade.

Cooler than a Capri?

The Manta’s muscular styling is shown off by bold yellow paint and rechromed bumpers. Inside, the sporty, very 1970s interior is highly original, and shows signs of minor wear, but is in impressive condition overall.

Rare, stylish and sporting, an electric SUV this certainly is not. Car & Classic’s auction for the 1972 Opel Manta A, in association with Retro Motor, goes live today and runs until 30 August 2023. When the bidding finishes, the car is expected to fetch between £12,000 and £18,000.

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This 1939 Ford V8 is a genuine movie star up for auction

August 21, 2023

Known for its blend of animation and live action, the 1988 film Who Framed Roger Rabbit is acclaimed as one of the best comedy movies of all-time.

With a cast that includes Bob Hoskins and Christopher Lloyd, the film won four Academy Awards and was even chosen by the Library of Congress to be preserved in the United States National Film Registry.

Car & Classic is giving fans the chance to own one of the four-wheeled stars of the movie, with the online auction of a 1939 Ford 91A V8.

Ready for hair and makeup

More than just an extra, the Ford was pictured alongside Bob Hoskins in his role of Eddie Valiant during a number of scenes.

Adding to its appeal, the car was also used in promotional material, with its classic styling a perfect fit for the film’s art deco aesthetic.

Rolling off the production line in December 1939, this particular Ford four-door De Luxe was imported to the UK in the 1960s. It spent several years in a museum, before being selected for its silver screen debut.

Like any good acting talent, the Ford underwent some preparation before its movie role. A bare metal respray was completed in 1984, with a further respray around 10 years ago. It means the car’s gloss black paintwork looks just as lustrous as when it was filmed.

Beige and Bakelite

Giving the Ford its name is a classic 85hp Flathead V8 engine, which has been mildly upgraded with an Edelbrock intake and a larger radiator. These changes were made to improve reliability and ease of use, rather than to add performance.

This work was done by the current keeper, who has owned the Ford for the past 27 years. A comprehensive set of maintenance records and invoices is included, along with the all-important movie provenance.

The interior of the Ford is finished in brown and beige, with plenty of genuine wood trim. An original Bakelite three-spoke steering wheel is fitted, along with Bakelite switches and a glovebox-mounted clock.

For movie fans and more

As a popular choice for hot rodders, finding a Ford V8 in original condition is quite a challenge in 2023. Its role in an iconic movie clearly makes this example even more special.

“This is a Ford with a very special backstory, playing a key part in a movie that many will remember for its unique blend of actors – both real and cartoon,” said Car & Classic’s Dale Vinten.

“Today, the car not only holds that appeal to fans of Roger, Jessica and Bob Hoskins, but it also is a very original pre-war Ford that benefits from subtle upgrades to enjoy and show for many years to come.”

The Car & Classic online listing for the Ford 91A V8 is now live. When bids close on Thursday 24 August 2023, the sale price is expected to be between £20,000 and £30,000.

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Auction Car of the Week: 1996 Volvo 850 R Estate

August 18, 2023

This week, Car & Classic is offering something unavailable to buy new in any UK Volvo dealership: an estate.

Perhaps it was inevitable, but the news that Volvo was axing the estate and saloon from its line-up still came as a shock earlier this month. The estate is arguably the most iconic layout for a Volvo, and the 850 R is one of the most iconic of them.

The high-volume follow-up to the popular but limited edition 850 T-5 R, the 850 R epitomises the practical performance car. Making just shy of 250bhp from its 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, the 850 R could launch its fulcome 4.6-metre length to 60mph in just over six seconds, before reaching a top speed of 150mph. This was, and still is, truly fast for an estate.

With this speed came a tendency to tear through tyres. To combat this, the 850 R received a lower ride height than its predecessor, and low-profile rubber, giving the R its aggressive stance.

Despite the performance alterations, it would still come as a surprise when, in partnership with Tom Walkinshaw Racing, Volvo famously entered the 1994 British Touring Car Championship with the estate.

Volvo acheived eighth in the Manufacturers’ standings that year and, despite taking home no silverware, the 850 had certainly won the admiration of many fans.

This example was imported from Japan last year, meaning that it is both rust-free and right-hand drive. It comes with service history and the promise of a fresh MOT in time for its new ownership.

The car is mostly original, but where modifications such as the Sony touchscreen stereo and converted odometer have been made, the original units have been retained. This preserves the option to return these elements to factory standard.

Since the UK’s supply of Volvo estates is now sadly finite, values for good quality examples like this may rise, making this a great chance to get ahead of the curve.

Notably, when the similar announcement of the Ford Fiesta’s demise was made, searches for performance variants on Car & Classic increased by nearly 70 percent.

Car & Classic’s 1996 Volvo 850 R Estate, in association with Retro Motor is now live and runs until 22 August. It is expected to fetch between £7k and £10k.

Auction Car of the Week: 1974 BMW E9 CSi

August 11, 2023

Today, BMW styling is a source of considerable controversy. However, like the E31 8 Series we featured as our Auction Car of the Week recently, the E9 model of 1968-1975 seems to earn near-unanimous approval.

The iconic BMW ‘sharknose’ of the time is arguably best executed on the E9, while its slim roof pillars, elegant proportions and modest front grille make for one of the best-looking cars in BMW’s long history.

As a predecessor to the 6 Series (and indeed the 8 Series), the E9 set the template for years to come. It was fast, luxurious and beautiful.

Motorsport heritage

The E9 model was manufactured by Karmann, designed under BMW’s legendary Wilhelm Hofmeister (he of the famous ‘Hofmeister kink’ in the rear side window) and powered by a wonderful 3.0-litre straight-six with electronic fuel injection.

Strong performance helped ensure the E9’s success in the European Touring Car Championship, where it won the series six times in the 1970s. It also scored a class win at Le Mans and victory at the Sebring 12 Hours. All of these victories were owed to the jaw-dropping 3.0 CSL, a very special racing car to have your classic associated with.

First registered in September 1974, this right-hand-drive CSi comes with an extensive history file, with MOTs, invoices and a photographic record to confirm it has been extensively cared for. Its condition is as beautiful as its design.

Wood you believe it?

Restored from bare metal, the BMW also benefits from a reconditioned leather interior, with glorious satin wood trim on the dashboard, steering wheel and manual gear lever. It’s ready to be enjoyed by a new owner from day one.

A true all-rounder – fantastic to drive, look at and sit in – this is a very usable grand tourer, and a classic BMW that ranks among the finest of its era.

Car & Classic’s auction for the 1974 BMW E9 CSi, in association with Retro Motor, is now live and runs until 15 August 2023. The car is expected to sell for between £40,000 and £55,000.

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