BMW 3.0 CSI Electric Coupé, 1975
BMW 3 Series I (E21)
BMW 3 Series I (E21)•
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Chassis No.: 4350060
Estimate: £175,000 - £200,000 GBP
- Subject to a 3 year restoration and conversion to electric power
- 1975 BMW 3.0 CSI Electric Coupé
- Registration no. BAT 9K
- Formerly owned by HRH Prince Mashhour Ben Saud
- Fresh from an Electric Classic Cars conversion and restoration
- Tesla propulsion
- 330kW (450 horsepower) and 450Nm (346.6lb/ft) of torque
- Approximately 200 miles range from fully charged
A rare right-hand drive model, this 3.0 CSi had had four keepers when it was purchased by HRH Prince Mashhour Ben Saud in February 1978 and at that time was registered '2 BAT'. Documents on file include hand-written notes from the Prince instructing Mr Michael Gardiner to sell the car on his behalf in February 1988, Documentation also includes the current and previous V5s; registration transfer documents from '2 BAT' to 'BAT 9K'; and a few service receipts.
The BMW remained in Mr Gardiner's possession until the current vendor purchased it from his widow in May 2019. Since then it has been at the premises of Electric Classic Cars of Newtown, Powys - leading experts in electric conversions of classic cars - undergoing a full restoration and upgrade to Tesla electric power and other enhancements using many CSL-specification items such as Scheel seats and original leather Petri steering wheel. Electric Classic Cars' conversion is designed to leave the essence of the classic untouched, while at the same time bringing it up to date with 21st Century innovation, resulting in improved reliability and more power. This conversion will be supplied with the original motor if anyone wished to return to using fossil fuels.
The BMW is powered by a Tesla Model S P85 engine, while most of the 85 kWh battery pack sits where the original engine used to be. Another battery pack is mounted at the rear with the Tesla motor below it, leaving a decent boot space and making for a perfect touring car. The electric cabling has been cleverly engineered to run down where the prop shaft once was.
In terms of performance, this rejuvenated BMW has 330kW (450 horsepower) and 450Nm (346.6lb/ft) of torque on tap, and it's possible to race from 0-60mph in sub 4 seconds. To cope with this increased power, the running gear has been upgraded with Wilwood Brake callipers, vented discs and Alpina wheels. On the road, the car is said to handle beautifully thanks to its custom-made upgraded suspension, electric power steering, and adjustable shock absorbers and springs. The beautiful interior has been subject to a full restoration, including the wood veneers, and the working sunroof retained.
Treated to a bare-metal restoration and re-spray over the past two years, the bodywork presents equally well. We are advised that, when fully charged, the battery pack is sufficient for approximately 200 miles.
