Keon Almassi’s 1972 BMW CSi
STORY | STEIN BROEDER
PHOTOGRAPHY | KARL NOAKES
While many car manufacturers in the 1970s did their best to design cars that attracted one’s visual attention, there were many that missed the mark with painful consequences. The design of the1972 BMW CSi ran counter to this notion. While some might describe it as understated and unassuming, its beauty lies in its simplicity.
A closer look reveals several design elements that have helped elevate the car to icon status. The long hood, the short rear deck, and the shark nose are deceptively distinctive and give this car a character and personality all its own. It is this sentiment that drew Keon Almassi to this example.
Aside from the Nardi steering wheel and the period-correct Alpina wheels, most everything else on the car is original. Its provenance has the car originally being imported to Italy and then later in life to the Netherlands where it got a complete restoration compliments of Oldenzaal Classics, which specializes in reviving classics from the Bavarian car marque. From there it was bought by a collector who lived in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“Even though it had a thorough restoration, there are bits that show their age, which I actually really like. One example is the rear-view mirror, it has a lot of patina. Looking into it feels like your looking into the past,” said Almassi.
And the past has a lot to do with how Almassi got into cars. His father started Quality Auto Center in Lynwood back in 1991 which meant Almassi grew up around cars. He has worked there all his life and is now the general manager. The company specializes in BMWs so it is no wonder that this legendary model caught his attention.
What makes the CSi a classic is its perfect combination of elegance and performance. The CSi, which stands for Coupe Sport Injection, is the fuel-injected version of the 3.0 CS, a range of coupes that debuted in 1968. The 3.0 CS was based on the BMW 2000 C / 2000 CS four-cylinder coupes, which were enlarged to fit the BMW M30 six-cylinder engine. The CSi had a 3,003 cc (183.3 cu in) engine with Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection and 200 horsepower.
Not only is it more powerful, the CSi is more refined and sophisticated than its carbureted sibling. It had a 9.5:1 compression ratio, a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission, and a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph). In addition to its sleek and stylish body, its interior is luxurious and spacious, with leather seats, wood trim, and a sunroof
The CSi was a success for BMW, both commercially and critically. The car sold well in Europe and the U.S., where it was imported by Max Hoffmann, a legendary importer of European cars. The car also received rave reviews from the automotive press, who praised its handling, performance, and refinement.
The BMW was also a formidable competitor on the racetrack, thanks to its lightweight construction, agile handling, and reliable engine. The CSi was the basis for the 3.0 CSL, a homologation special built to make the car eligible for racing in the European Touring Car Championship. The CSL, which stood for Coupe Sport Lightweight, had a reduced weight of 1,270 kg (2,800 lb), a larger engine of 3,153 cc (192.4 cu in), and a striking aero package with a front spoiler, rear wing, and fender flares.
The CSL, nicknamed the “Batmobile,” won six European Touring Car Championship titles between 1973 and 1979, and also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Daytona 24 Hours. The CSL was driven by legendary drivers such as Hans-Joachim Stuck, Dieter Quester, Brian Redman, and Ronnie Peterson.
With only 8,144 units produced, the CSi is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, who appreciate its style, speed, and history. And artists also understood why it was so special.
The CSi was the canvas for the first ever BMW Art Car, created by American artist Alexander Calder in 1975. The project was initiated by French race car driver Hervé Poulain, who wanted to combine his passion for art and racing. Some of the other artists who have participated in the project are Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Jeff Koons, and Cao Fei.
Calder painted the car with bright colors and geometric shapes, inspired by his mobile sculptures. The car was driven by Poulain at the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it attracted much attention and admiration. The car is now part of the permanent BMW Art Car Collection.
While the visual experience can be described as simple and refined, the driving experience is undoubtedly analog and unique. The car is smooth, responsive, and exhilarating, delivering a symphony of mechanical music from the straight-six engine. The BMW is also comfortable and stable, absorbing bumps and curves with ease. It is a joy to drive, whether on the open road or on the track, offering a perfect balance of power and grace. “And the most unexpected part about driving this car is visibility. You are surrounded by windows and can see everything. There isn’t a blind spot,” said Almassi.
The 1972 BMW CSi is a classic coupe with character and charm, a car that has earned its place in the history of BMW and of automotive design. It is a car that appeals to both the heart and the mind, a car that is fun and interesting, a car that is a legend.
