BMW's Batmobile
Introduced in 1972, the BMW 3.0 CSL was a homologation special built to make the car eligible for racing in the European Touring Car Championship. The 'L' in the designation meant leicht (light). The lightness was achieved by using thinner steel to build the body shell, removing the trim and soundproofing, using aluminium for the doors, bonnet, and boot lid, and replacing the side windows with Perspex. Initially using the same engine as the 3.0 CS, the 3.0 CSL was given a very small increase in displacement to 3,003 cc to allow the CSL to be raced in the 'over three litre' racing category. Further changes in 1973 included an aerodynamic package which featured a large air dam, short fins running along the front wings, a spoiler above and behind the trailing edge of the roof, and a tall rear wing. The rear wings were not installed at the factory, but were left in the boot for installation after purchase. This was done because the wings were illegal for use on German roads. The full aero package earned the racing CSLs the nickname 'Batmobile'.
This example was born as a 3.0 CSi, this car was then purchased by German tuner Niederhof in 2005 and completely restored to 3.5 CSL Group 2 configuration featuring a 3.5-litre, two-valve fuel-injected engine for use in historic racing. The car was completed in the famous colours of the sponsor “Gösser Beer”. It’s currently available as part of the RM Sotheby’s online European Sale until the 11th June. For more details on this and other vehicles in the sale, click on the link below.
Photos © Courtesy of RM Sotheby's