We live in New Zealand, where we enjoy an excellent classic car climate with numerous clubs and many events organised. I have owned a '79 635CSi with retrag 5 spd box, which I drove the family around in, used for work and even participated with in some classic race events. Only approx US$60 for a weekend's racing: practise on the Sat'day and some 3 to 5x races on the Sunday of 4 to 6 laps each.
Had a TR4A for several yrs, but felt somewhat vulnerable in that and now seriously considering a proper car again. It's between a 2002Tii, 3.0CSi or CSL
and I am most keen on one of the coupes. However there aren't many available here in N.Z. and I am considering buying one ex the U.K.. For the extra money should I get a CSL, are they that much 'better', eg. desirable to have or should I concentrate on a reasonable and fair 3.0CSi ?? It's boing to be a 'fast' road car with some classic racing thrown in.
Looking forward to hearing some expert advise.
Regards,
Frans

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First, if you are considering a car from England, you know that that is NOT a car friendly climate, so finding a very clean no-rust CS/CSi car will be extremely difficult and/or very expensive. I am also sure that you are aware of how bad these particular cars are for rust in structural areas, which could certainly affect the safety aspect of high speed shunts, unless you do an extensive rebuild and add a roll cage (in the States, for club events, no safety cage is required, but your rules may require it).

Therefore the cost aspect must at some point intrude into the decision making process.

Have you considered importing one from the States and converting it to RHD? I am not sure how bad this is to do because unlike British cars, BMWs do not appear to be built to be ambidextrous (with symetrical fittings). Perhaps you could abtain a rusted RHD car from which to scavange the unique parts to fit to a relatively rust-free Western US car?

I know while I would prefer to own and drive a coupe, I'd probably rather race a 2002 from the risk standpoint. CS cars are just too rare and expensive to risk IMHO. The Tii is nice, but they are getting hard to find as well. Are you allowed to modify cars to race them in class? (Bigger carbs/HC pistons, etc.). The Tii HP can easily be bettered with minor modifications.

Bob

Hi Bob
Thanks for yr suggestions re the Tii, CSi/L. I quite agree about the risk involved with importing from the U.K. I'm looking at getting two different CSLs tested at present and will pay particular attention in that respect. I looks like I may be able to buy a reasonable one for approx B.P.6 - 8000 (US$10 - 12,000) and feel that the CSL will be the more special/desirable one to have / drive in.
With classic car racing there is relatively new class, where one doesn't require a rollcage and cars start two at the time, 10 seconds apart. That would be the safest with CSL; you can still blow the cobwebs out without risking too much. Yes you can modify, but within reason.
Thanks again.
Frans