1970 BMW 2800 CS

This fine car was exported new to Italy and was registered in the country’s Treviso region in April 1970.

Several Italian owners followed and, although there’s no definitive paper trail to back it up, we understand that the car was the recipient of a thorough cosmetic restoration, repaint and interior retrim before being imported to the UK in 2017.

The new UK owner promptly set about getting the car into tip-top mechanical and dynamic shape, and there are countless bills and invoices covering the sourcing of parts from Germany and elsewhere.

We have driven the car and can attest to the fact that it lives up to its reputation as a true ‘driver’s car’ – with plenty of power, poise, balance and grip.

The earlier cosmetic restoration is showing its age, however, and there are a few issues with the paintwork and some corrosion in the bodywork.
 

The car presents very well from every angle and is a fine-looking example of both the model and the marque.

From a few metres away it really does look very good, and the metallic green finish is as striking and unusual as it is attractive and seductive.

Get a little closer and some cosmetic issues begin to make themselves known.

There is bubbling at the base of the passenger door and in places on the o/s/f wing.

The n/s/f wing has some blistering and minor bubbling in evidence, and there are splits and cracks to the paint on most panels, with perhaps the largest example being on the o/s/r wing where it meets the door.

We also found some scuffs and scrapes to the paint along the front of the bonnet; bubbling at the forward base of the o/s/r wheel-arch; blistering beneath the window on the passenger door; and some perished rubber seals around the windows.

The passenger door doesn’t close particularly well and is not fully flush with the bodywork at the base.

The chrome work is shiny, bright and free of any foxing, pitting or tarnishing that we can see.

The wheels are in good order, as are the lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings. 
 

The interior is gloriously of its era and is a splendidly evocative place to spend some quality time.

The vinyl upholstery is in very fine fettle, and the seats are comfortable and supportive, front and back.

The individually contoured rear seats are particularly inviting and don’t look as if they’ve ever supported the weight of anything much heavier than a bag of shopping or a couple of coats.

The colour is probably best described as ‘burnt orange’, and it contrasts perfectly with the green exterior.

There’s barely more than a light crease anywhere on the upholstery to hint at the car’s age.

The door cards are following the same script in terms of quality and condition, save for a few spots of flaked-off chromium plating on the armrest door handles.

The brown carpets and mats look pretty much as good as new and the white headlining is taut, clean and free of any holes or tears that we can see.

Even the matt-finish wood on the doors, dashboard and centre console has resisted the temptation to crack or fade.

The steering wheel, gear lever, handbrake and other controls are all broadly beyond reproach.

As far as we’re aware, all knobs, buttons, switches, dials, gauges and levers do what they’re supposed to do in a timely and accurate fashion.

The carpeted boot is every bit as good as the rest of it.
 

The very impressive overall appearance of the clean, dry engine and engine bay reflect the amount of time and effort that’s been putting into ensuring the car’s mechanical good health.

The car’s undersides appear to have been well served by a decent coating of underseal treatment and there’s nothing more alarming than what look to be one or two spots of surface rust here and there.
 

We know very little of the car’s life in Italy prior to its arrival in the UK in 2017.

After that, there’s a decent amount of paperwork detailing parts ordered, work carried out, jobs done and invoices received.

Work carried out includes, but is not limited to, the following.

•    New water pump, radiator and fan 
•    New electronic distributor
•    Overhauled electrical system including a replacement alternator and new fuse box
•    Brake overhaul including new front callipers 
•    New windscreen.

The car comes with a V5C, a recent HPI report, full sets of keys and an owner’s manual.

Each and every E9 coupé is a thing of inestimable beauty and enduring appeal.

They really are achingly gorgeous cars.

But one that comes clad in the unbeatable colour combo of a metallic green exterior and a dark orange interior is surely the best of the best.

This car, which is believed to be the oldest example registered in the UK, is in first-class mechanical and dynamic condition.

It just needs a spot of cosmetic remedial work to regain its considerable former glory and become the best possible version of itself.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £25,000 - £30,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.