BMW 3.0 CSL Rennsport' Coupe 1973

[RACECAR]

After Alpina's efforts to combat Ford's Capri were less then steller, BMW would step in. In their first move, they managed to lure Ford racing director Jochen Neerpasch to Munich and subsequently, he set up the now legendary BMW Motorsport department. Utilizing the new 3.0 CSi model as the starting point, BMW Motorsport created the 3.0 CSL. CSL was short for "Coupe Sport Leicht", meaning "Coupe Sport Lightweight". Wherever possible, the trim and sound-proofing was removed. The bonnet, doors and boot were are aluminum. The first production cars came with a 180 bhp three liter engine installed but for 1973, the CSL came equipped with an even more powerful 3.2 'six'. The 3.0 CSL is most famous for its distinctive set of wings, which earned it the nick-name 'Batmobile'. These same parts were never equipped on the road cars from the factory as they were deemed illegal for road use, but opening the boot after delivery would reveal eight carefully packaged pieces with instructions on how to turn the bare CSL into the Batmobile. The racing CSL was ready for the 1973 season. The six cylinder engine was increased in size from the initial 3.2 liters to 3.5 liters and the 4 speed gearbox was replaced with a Getrag 5 speed box. In Comparison to Alpina's Meager efforts, power was up by 75 bhp and weight was down over 150 kg. Fielded primarily by the BMW Works team livered in the now familiar M-colours, as well as by Alpina and Schnitzer, the 3.0 CSL fought an hard battle with the Ford Capri throughout the season. By its end, it was Works driver Toine Hezemans who took the driver's title and BMW claimed the manufacturer's crown.

The Addition of this car would add not just another race car to the BMW lineup, but the first car that bought BMW back to racing after recovering from its financial losses caused by WW2.

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Engine: 3.5L Naturally Aspirated Straight 6
Horsepower: 410 HP
Transmission: Getrag 5-Speed Manual
Weight: 1,080 KG
Drivetrain: RWD