GOOSEBUMP MAKERS

REGISTER TO BID
REGISTER TO BID
Account Login

Please login to bid on an auction or manage your account.

Login Details
SIGN UP
Keep up to date
Keep up to date with all things Trade Classics, along with new cars.
Auction Live

1973 BMW 3.0 CS (E9) “Barnfind”

At a Glance

Barnfind | ~38 Year Ownership | Restoration Project

  • Mileage~16,787 on clock
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine3.0L
  • LocationIlford

AUCTION LIVE

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£3,000
See Bidding
Register TO BID

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£3,000

See Bidding
Video #2

Introduction

Kulraj Singh Salh
COO

Few cars in history could deliver a combination of style, driving enjoyment and motorsport success like the CS series.

The BMW CS began its journey in 1968 as the 2800CS, a Sport Coupe derived from the earlier 2000CS. In later years, the extensive modifications it underwent were so significant that BMW gave it a new codename: the E9. Compared to its predecessor, the E9 featured a lengthened wheelbase, major restyling, new suspension, and the exceptional M30 six-cylinder engine. With ~170BHP, this engine was not only powerful but also remarkably smooth and flexible for its size. The car excelled in handling, ride comfort, and mechanical refinement, making it a well-rounded machine. The E9 model showcased BMW’s iconic design elements, including the legendary “Hoffmeister Kink” and Paul Bracq’s signature “shark nose.” The M30 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, paired with an automatic transmission, made this version a consummate grand tourer.

This "barnfind" comes from ~38 years of ownership with our vendor, it is equipped with the 3-speed automatic gearbox, one of only ~860 produced with an automatic transmission. As this is a barnfind car, it is in need of recommissioning work, but looks a really good base to start from. This is a golden opportunity for the passionate vintage car enthusiast: a true barn find, waiting for the right owner to restore and cherish.

This listing was written from information supplied by Kulraj after meeting Ken the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

A short project that turned into something a little longer, ~38 years on, and it's time for some new passion to be injected.

This rare "barnfind" comes to market through Ken, the current owner - he tells us about his history with the car up to this point, "The opportunity arose after my friend, the former keeper, had asked someone to do a respray on the car. When it was finished, he was shocked that the car was red, rather than the original Taiga Green. The new colour put him off the car, and I then bought it from him".

Ken used the BMW for the first few years and thoroughly enjoyed, he said, "I took the car on many trips up to Norfolk, where my wife’s family live. I've covered many enjoyable miles in the car over my ownership". Sadly soon after that, the brake callipers seized, so he had it recovered to his house, Ken said, "The view was that I would work on the car at some point and fix it, but one year turned to five, and then turned to over thirty years. It was one of those projects I just never got around to finishing".

With a house move on the cards, the car now has to go, and so comes to sale on auction with us.

Ken will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Ken
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

With its iconic shark nose design, the 3.0 CS takes a nostalgic journey back to the days of masterful craftsmanship that defined BMW.

Wheels and Tyres

The five-spoke wheels are finished in silver with BMW centre caps. These show in reasonable condition given the age and quality of the car. The centre caps are off of some of the wheels, they are pictured with the spares. The car also comes with an extra set of multi-spoke wheels as pictured in our paperwork gallery section

The BMW is fitted with a mix of tyre brands to the front and rear. All tyres will need replacing with the car having been sat for so long.

Bodywork

While looking over the E9 during our visit, we found that the BMW maintains reasonable visual panel gaps with both doors, and boot were able to open and close. The bonnet sat ajar when we visited the car - we didn't try and close it flush.

The car had a parking knock on the front offside wing as pictured, this was a short time before the calipers seized. There is some corrosion in places, notably on the bottom of the rear offside wing, offside sill, around rear window and the sunroof.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The 3.0 CS is finished in red, which is a change from its original colour of "Taiga Green", you can see this in places like the boot etc. The paintwork isn’t the best, as can be seen from the internal surfaces, such as under the bonnet and boot. There is also micro-blistering on the bonnet and some other areas too, and so we assume a new owner would be looking to action a full respray after the bodywork restoration, back to original colour we hope!

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass and trim sections generally look respectable, consistent with the car's age and overall quality. The trim appears to be present, although it shows some tarnishing that comes with age. The window seal rubbers are dried up, as you’d expect from a car that has sat for a number of years. Some of the badges/trim would benefit from replacement or restorative work.

Check out the exterior gallery and review video. We guide you through all areas of the car as if you were standing there yourself, so you can see in greater detail how the car is presented.

VIEW ALL
INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Stepping inside the cabin of the BMW reminds you of a time when driving wasn’t just about getting from point A to B - it was an experience.

Seats and Carpets

The seats in the BMW are finished in black fabric, and these appear to be in reasonable condition, although they show some signs of wear and age. The tops of the front seats show mild dust and dry mould on the facings. This is likely coming from very long storage rather than any dampness. Overall, all of the seats would need a thorough clean, care, and attention.

The BMW has a spare set of leather seats that are currently in storage and so can't be photographed. These will be included as part of the final sale, if the new owner wishes to take them.

We cover the cabin area of the CS in more detail in our interior review video.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in need of refurbishment and the wood veneer areas will require attention as pictured in the gallery sections. The odometer showed ~16,787 miles on the clock.

The numbers and dials on the dash appeared legible, although would benefit from work to bring these up to a better standard.

Our interior gallery section offers a closer look at the BMW's dashboard.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The black, 3-spoke BMW steering wheel shows signs of age; marking was noted on the top section of the wheel edge, as pictured.

The automatic gear selector indicates that restorative work would be worth considering by the future owner. Additional images of the cabin area, including the steering wheel, are available in our 'Interior Gallery' section for more details on what the BMW has to offer.

VIEW ALL
'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

With the right levels of mechanical care and attention given to the six-cylinder, M30 engine, the BMW could be back to its former glory.

Engine and Gearbox

The car is of course a barnfind so will need extensive recommissioning. Ken’s brother, who is a mechanic, worked on the car the weekend before we visited and drained the fuel tank. At the same time, the points and ignition were checked and a new battery fitted. Completing these works got the car to run for the first time in years.

The gearbox was not operated as it has been so long since the car has been used. We were unable to drive out in the car as it is in need of recommissioning, but you can watch and hear it start over, and come off of idle once warm in the video.

Suspension and Brakes

The brakes on the car have been replaced by Ken, although he didn't get round to bleeding them or getting the car on the road.

A visual inspection of the suspension shows that it appears to be in good condition. We didn't note much in the way of corrosion from our initial observations. We cover the underside of the car in our 'Mechanical Gallery' section. Head over to our video section, where we've summarised our visit in more detail for you to view. We take you through the mechanical elements of the car and give you an overview of what's on offer.

The Drive

We were unable to verify how the car handled or performed out on the road.

Recommissioning works will be required before the car will be road legal to drive.

Electrics and Other

Considering this BMW is a project car, the electrical elements and cabin equipment would need a thorough going over as part of the recommissioning work.

We were unable to verify if all switches, dials, and gauges were undamaged or in working condition due to the restorative work required on the car.

VIEW ALL
Video #2

History and Paperwork

With ~38 years of ownership and under ~2,000 miles covered in the last ~37 years, this BMW E9 is a rare find, it's wanting an enthusiast to bring it back to a former glory.

Considering this is a "barnfind", the BMW is in need of recommissioning work to ensure the car is road legal. As you can see from the gallery section images, restorative work will be required including a full respray.

Overall, the 3.0 CS could be a really lovely car with the right levels of attention and care given to it.

A new V5 has been applied for and now received - the sale includes the registration number "THE 4M". Also included in the sale is another set of interior seats, if the new owner wishes to have them - sadly we can't photograph them before the sale as they are in Ken's loft. Finally, Ken bought another engine years ago in case he wanted any engine parts - the new owner is welcome to that engine too, if they so wish. There's no obligation to take the seats and / or engine.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID and actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
20.03.1987 MOT 15,650
03.10.1984 MOT 4,528
29.03.1983 Service 78,669
13.01.1982 Service 76,109
01.04.1981 Service 74,434
24.02.1980 Service 67,967
10.08.1979 Service 64,756
12.04.1978 Service 60,170
12.01.1978 Service 55,729
24.09.1977 Service -
30.09.1975 Service 22,368
21.02.1975 Service 16,748
17.09.1974 Service 11,435
16.11.1973 Pre-Delivery Inspection 56
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model3.0 CS (E9)
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Reg. Date16.11.1973
  • CC2,985
  • Mileage~16,787 on clock
  • ColourRed
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimFabric
  • Chassis #2332015
  • Engine #2332015
  • MOTNo
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers7
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • RegistrationTHE 4M
  • Owned~38 years, 9 months
  • Key FeatureBarnfind / Long Ownership
  • Auction ID2169
VIEW ALL
VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Ilford

Request A Delivery Calculation



    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £3,000
    £
    REGISTER TO BID
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
    0 SEC
    Auction Ends Thu 31st Oct at 8.40pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  3
    £3,000 bid by flo708417.10.24 @ 18:26:03
    £2,401 bid by DHG17.10.24 @ 11:08:22
    £2,200 bid by mar69cus17.10.24 @ 10:28:22
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    565
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    2 Comments
    David F
    David F
    14 hours ago

    Hi Kanja, can I view your vehicle this weekend or please as I am working in East London?
    Kind Regards David

    ColinB
    ColinB
    Admin
      David F
    13 hours ago

    Hi David,

    We can help arrange a viewing for you, if you could send an email to hello@tradeclassics.com first please, as there’s a couple of checks we need to do.

    Thanks,
    Colin.

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a BMW like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2024.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Ilford

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price that the seller will let the car go for. We work with sellers to set realistic reserves in line with market pricing – we don’t take on vehicles with unrealistic pricing. Reserve met / not met labeling may or may not be announced during the auction – this is just like a traditional auction house, i.e. bidders may only know when they’ve been successful at the end of the auction.

    If the reserve hasn’t been met at the end of the auction then we work with the highest bidder to try to work out a deal with the seller.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.

    Register Account

    Please create an account to bid on our auctions and stay up-to-date by receiving our weekly auction update.

    Complete Form