In 1972 BMW introduced the 3.0 CSL, a homologation special in the tradition of the 1800 TiSa and the 2002 Turbo. With increasing engine displacements and a progression of aerodynamic modifications, the CSL became the grist for the marque’s competition forays through 1976. Tremendously successful and beautiful to behold, the CSL was a proven race-winner in the European Touring Car Championship, German Touring Car, and FIA Group 5 events, and the American IMSA Camel GT series. Over the ensuing years, the race victories of this unique model have been overshadowed by its famous nickname, “Batmobile”—easily attributed to its distinctive, homologation aero kit. While more than 1,000 units of the 3.0 CSL were made, only 167 of the final road-going 3.2-liter cars were delivered with the Bat costume, including the front air dam, fender strakes, basket-handle roof spoiler and enormous rear wing. Of that number, 110 were from 1973 and the remaining 57 were built from 1974 through late 1975. The collectability of the Batmobile lies not just in its rarity and beauty, but for the place it holds in BMW Motorsport history, taking the European Touring Car Championship in 1973, and every year from 1975 through 1979.
