The BMW 3.0 CSL is undoubtedly a legendary race car, but what exactly makes it so legendary? During a recent visit to the Pace Museum earlier this year, I came face to face with this iconic BMW. But more on the Pace Museum in another post – I’ll be revisiting soon, as they’ve refreshed their collection once again.
For many, this car is known as the Batmobile. The BMW 3.0 CSL earned this moniker thanks to its distinctive aerodynamic features, including large spoilers and air dams, designed to enhance high-speed stability. Its aggressive styling and imposing rear wing give it a futuristic, Batmobile-like appearance that’s hard to forget.
Originally developed as a homologation special to allow BMW to compete in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC), the 3.0 CSL quickly proved its mettle on the track. One particular car, the car you see here on the photos, made history in 1973 when it won the Nürburgring 6 hours with drivers Chris Amon and Hans-Joachim Stuck behind the wheel according to Group 2 regulations.
But the legend doesn’t stop there. The leading BMW 3.0 CSLs received a significant upgrade with a newly homologated spoiler arrangement. This aerodynamic enhancement proved to be a game-changer, instantly improving lap times and solidifying the CSL’s dominance on the track.
In a remarkable show of supremacy, the works cars, including this iconic #12, equipped with 3.3-litre engines, clinched first and second places. Meanwhile, a third-place finish went to an Alpina-tuned CSL, boasting a 3.5-litre engine with a newly homologated longer-stroke crankshaft.
Step inside the 3.0 CSL, and you’ll find an interior that’s the very definition of spartan. Basic bucket seats, minimal soundproofing, and lighter materials were all part of the weight-saving crusade. Luxury took a back seat—literally—so speed could take the front.
With each race and every victory, the BMW 3.0 CSL further solidified its status as a legend in motorsport history. Its combination of groundbreaking design, engineering excellence, and unparalleled performance continues to captivate enthusiasts and racers alike, ensuring its place in the pantheon of automotive greatness.
Did you know that the 3.0 CSL was the first BMW to be transformed into an “Art Car.” In 1975, American artist Alexander Calder was commissioned to paint a 3.0 CSL, creating a unique fusion of art and automotive design. This initiative led to a series of BMW Art Cars created by renowned artists over the years.
