4 Star Classics

A stunning phase 2 CSL Batmobile in show winning condition 

MODEL HISTORY

The timeless and beautiful shape of the big BMW coupe was first conceived back in 1965 in the 2L coupe by Karmann, it developed into the e9 chassis in 1968 and production continued until the final model rolled of the production line in 1975. The introduction of the coupe in 1968 signalled BMWs intention to return to the luxury car market sector, an area it had been forced to ignore for years while it struggled to turn around its fortunes during the early 60s. Early cars were all carbureted until the adoption of Bosch fuel injection in the 3L CSi.

Hugely important in BMW motorsport history was the homologation special CSL (coupe sport leicht) which offered an aluminium bonnet, boot and doors with little in the way of luxury equipment, weight saving was also achieved by using thinner gauge steel in the construction of the body. To qualify the car for racing in the over 3 litre division, capacity of the engine was re bored and quoted as 3003cc which in road trim resulted in 200bhp at 5500rpm. The CSL label needed only 1000 cars to make it eligible to race. It was developed by a separate division in BMW AG which would later become BMW Motorsport GmbH. While the CSL does not carry the M badge many consider this as the first ever M car and one that first carried the tri colour motorsport livery.

This final version of the 3.0CSL was homologated in July 1973 when the engine was given a substantial increase in displacement to 3,153cc by increasing the stroke to 84 mm and an aerodynamic package added including 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".

Available only in LHD form just 110 CSL 'Batmobiles' were produced from 7/73 through to 10/73 known as phase one cars these were available in only two colours, Chamonix White and Polaris Silver. A second and final phase of 57 cars were produced from 1/74 through 10/75, again only available in LHD but a variety of colours and options were possible.

Racing achievement - It is rare that a competition car lasts more than four seasons, infact by the time a race car is winning it is usually obsolete and designers are developing its successor. Such was the achievement of the coupe in international racing that it raced from 1969 through to 1978 and even then in 78 still won its fifth European touring car championship against stiff competition. Exploring the success of the CSL during its motorsport career is an impossible task to do here on this page, there is too much of it! Further reading and viewing is highly recommended as drivers such as Hans Stuck and Dieter Quester all wrestled the Munich monster in various Works, Alpina and Schnitzer incarnations from Group 2 400bhp cars to Group 5 750bhp fire breathing turbo rockets. A taster of this can be found by following this link to a classic youtube video - CSL Race Video.

Equipment

Lightweight front spoiler, Roof spoiler, Boot spoiler, Electric rear windows, PAS, Scheel sports seats, Sports steering wheel, Alloy wheels, Aluminum bonnet and door skins. 

EXTERIOR

Finished in its original production colour Taiga Green this Batmobile is one of of only four produced in what is arguably one of the best CSL colours. These phase two cars were all assembled in BMW’s Motorsport department and unlike the first series of 110 phase one batmobiles that were available only in ‘polaris’ silver or ‘chamonix’ white any available color and a wide variety of options could be specified.

This car has recently undergone a 5 year, no expense spared restoration bring it up to a concours winning standard, this is documented with invoices and a photographic record of the work. The car is completely spotless and the underside is just as clean as the top! The car is ready for classic Rallies or Concours events.

INTERIOR

The interior in a BMW e9 coupe is like none other, beautifully laid out with lashings of wood trim it is a wonderful place to be. Even more so in a Batmobile looking out over the bonnet to see the front wing spoilers and a big rear wing looming through the rear window. 

The wood in the car is in excellent condition and retains its original finish, it sits perfectly in the interior and looks like new. All the heater controls work as do all the dash lights and steering column controls. There is no radio which means you have no choice but to listen to the howl of the wonderful 3.2L straight 6, it also means no large unsightly speaker holes in the door cards or rear parcel shelf leaving it in fantastic condition. The original Petri sports steering wheel is still present and in fantastic condition.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Whilst still being badged a 3.0 CSL the engine stroke was increased which raised engine capacity to 3153cc. This Batmobile had the engine fully rebuilt when the car was restored, it runs perfectly and looks like new, a work of art in our eyes. The gearbox has also been overhauled to match the rest of the spectacular condition of the car.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The car is fitted with 16" Alpina wheels all of which are in perfect condition and shod with new Michelin tyres. During the restoration all the brakes have been overhauled and are not showing any significant signs of wear. Every component under the car has been refinished to meet factory specifications and then all bolts and nuts marked to ensure they have undergone their final tightening sequence. This attention to detail and quality control is proof of a thorough and professional restoration. 

HISTORY FILE

This ultimate series 2 CSL Batmobile was finished on May 30th 1975 and delivered a few days later to BMW dealer, Höss in Memmingen, Germany. It was then imported to New Jersey in the United states in the 1980's and owned by Bobert B Picut. The car was then exported back to Germany in the early 1990's by the former president of the German BMW car club. In 2004 work commenced on a 5 year, no expense spared concours restoration to original BMW specification and finished in original colour code Taiga 072. Only four Batmobiles ever left BMW in this rare colour. There is a complete photo album showing the restoration from start to finish which also includes photographs of all the new parts used.

The current owner has had the car registered in the UK and kept in his private collection for the last 2 years.

This car is no. 49 of 57 ultimate second series `Batmobiles’ ever built, chassis numbers 4355001-4355057, of which not more than a third are believed to survive to date. Given such rarity and the sheer importance to BMW’s racing tradition in being the first ‘M’ Motorsport BMW this car would form a great addition to any high quality collection.