However, this one is a copy.
The BMW 3.0 CSL was built as a homologation specific to allow the model to race in the European Touring Car Championship. It was the first BMW 3.0 CSL to sport the legendary M stripes. This machine was truly amazing, and only 1,265 were made. Although not completely original, one of the last examples is at the BMW Group Classic Museum.
A YouTube channel is run by the classic car division. It has some really cool videos, including one with the V12-powered X5 Le Mans Concept. Two museum employees talk about the 3.0 CSL’s “sleek, stylish and effortlessly cool” design and discuss some of its elements that “would define BMW design over the next 50 years.”
It’s probably been called the Batmobile by many. This is due to its aggressive aerodynamic package. Some aero components were not street legal in certain countries. In Germany, for example, the rear wings were illegal. The cars were shipped with the wings in the boot so that the owners could install them after they had been purchased.
It’s Gorgeous!
We have bad news for those who wanted to know what is under the hood. The video shows a replica of the original car, and the engine will be rebuilt completely. BMW plans to race the replica in the next season and to try to replicate the success of the original car in the European Touring Car Championship.
BMW enthusiasts will be familiar with the fact that the 3.0 CSL used different engines depending upon the year of production. The motor was initially identical to the 3.0 CS. However, it was slightly larger than the 3.0 CS in 1972 so that the model could be raced in “over three-liter” racing categories. The engine’s displacement was increased to 3.2 liters in 1973.