Selling my CSL

[Henrik]

Hi, I’m considering trying to sell my '73 CSL on BaT before the winter hibernation sets in across the Northern Hemisphere, and I’d love to get some input from the forum. (I listed it on the forum some months ago). There are a couple of modifications I’m wondering about that might increase the car's value. Currently, it has Blockley tires. Would it make a significant difference if it were fitted with Michelin XWX tires instead? They are likely more sexy tires, but it’s easy enough for a new owner to swap them out after the sale. The same applies to the seats. Right now, it has Scheel 401s in good condition—great, comfortable seats, but would a buyer find it more appealing if the car had a pair of new Scheelmann 101 seats installed?
Another question: can BaT dictate the reserve price if I list it there? They have opinions but I’ve been getting vague answers from them when I ask.

 

[HB Chris]

They will suggest a Reserve and you can negotiate but in the end it is there call and they are pretty firm. If you don’t like it then no auction. CSLs have not done well lately which doesn’t make much sense and with a car overseas it is even more challenging. I wouldn’t spend any more and just sell as is. (I’ve sold nine cars on BaT)

 

[Catbert]

Beautiful car. You seem to be quite conscientious and detailed oriented. Don't overthink the little things (tires, seats, etc.). Your CSL will sell on its own merits. Your timeline for selling before winter sets in may create unnecessary anxiety. While all this is totally up to you, I would just list it with the mindset that it either sells before the frost arrives or not. If not, then just keept it listed and see what happens. There's always a buyer at the right price... always.

 

[BMW Pete]

To add to what Chris said - BAT is not the place for CSL's last couple of years in fact, auctions don't seem to be treating them well. With yours if I remember correctly being a RHD converted to LHD and not being in the US, with tariffs and shipping.

My gut says unless you have to sell, now you would be on a hiding to nothing (does that translate) on BAT. It can also kill the car for a while, as any potential buyer will look at the RNM price and say " thats what the market said" not saying its right, its often not, but its just a reality of being in the buyer or seller seat

Maybe give a guide here on what you think its value is, and I am sure others will give guidance, but unless your reserve is low, you will be better advertising at price you want and gradually lowering if you feel no interest

 

[CSteve]

I agree with BMW Pete. But if you are going to sell forget about seats, tires, etc. See what CSLs like yours have sold on BaT recently, reserve and no reserve. List every scrap of history/information you have about the car.
300 + photos. Be an involved seller from the beginning. Take a close look at the nine auctions on BaT HBChris has run.

Or, listen to Pete, store it warm and comfy for your Oslo winter and rethink in the spring.

 

[e9Leveque]

Beautiful car. I can’t recall what the listed price was here before but perhaps worth reposting here for a week or two while sorting out the BaT info. It also seems that professional photos help on BaT. And as to the overseas issues, yes will likely limit the number of buyers but the CSi that was RNM last week at least seemed to get to a price point that was reasonable, so perhaps there is still a market there.

 

[rsporsche]

i will echo what Pete + Chris have said. if anybody wants the tires or seats, let them buy them or negotiate that you will do both for an additional 5k euro (+/- ... i don't remember what the new Scheel Mann's are selling for).

i think we have seen two very good CSL sell for $150k (less than 130k euro) ... actually one was RNM at 150k. both of these cars were Inka. i have the same Scheel 401 sport seats and i love them. the one thing that i would add to what Chris + Pete have said - mid / late fall is rarely a good time to sell on BaT as the bids generally tend to suffer. a '73 CSL inka sold for 136k in mid summer (LHD conversion). if you decide to sell on BaT, i would highly recommend using a known seller who has brought good money through great representation. some of those are in the USA, and that is tough with the car in the EU. seems like there is a seller, Christoph Ivo (i may have butchered his name), who has some very good / excellent results but i haven't seen his name on a coupe in a year or so. or, my highest recommendation is @HB Chris ... i just wonder how that would work across the pond. Chris' credibility on BaT for e9 coupes is above excellent.