1973 BMW CSL

This 1973 BMW CSL, a genuine example, came to us as a running and driving vehicle. The first step was a full disassembly. Before stripping the paint, we carefully documented and marked all trim and detail locations to ensure accurate reassembly—particularly important given the extensive chrome trim and exterior detailing. Once stripped, it became clear the car had extensive corrosion. Nearly the entire firewall and connected dash structure had to be replaced—likely due to long-term water intrusion. From the beltline down, nearly all sheet metal was replaced, including: Firewall and dash support Frame rails (monocoque structure) Door bottoms Rear quarter panel bottoms A-, B-, and C-pillar supports Floor pans (with some sections custom-rolled for authenticity) Transmission tunnel areas Jack receivers Trunk corners Inner and outer wheel arches Closing panels Inner, intermediate, and outer rockers Maintaining authenticity was a key focus. We sourced multiple floor pan sets to combine the most accurate details, bead-rolling new panels to match factory specs, especially in the rear seating area. The front valence/bumper was also replaced. Many of the original fiberglass components had deteriorated beyond repair and were either replaced or carefully refabricated. Once structural and panel work was complete, the car was painted and reassembled. Reassembly was complex, given the mix of original and reproduction parts—many of which were not originally designed for long-term use. Components like the roof wing, rear wing, front winglets, belt moldings, and wheel arch trim required detailed fitting. Interior work included dash panel repairs, new metalwork around the gauge cluster, restoration or replacement of broken trim pieces, and fabrication of items like gaskets and rear parcel shelf components. Finally, the car returned to Randy at R&R Automotive Restorations for for drivetrain work and then delivered to the client as a fully running and driving car—restored far beyond its original race-season lifespan.