This lightweight coupe was designed specifically for the European Touring Car Championship, and its distinctive “Batmobile” bodywork, which featured an oversized rear wing and front air dam, quickly made it a fan favorite. Under the hood, the 3.0 CSL was powered by a high-performance inline-six engine, and its race-tuned suspension and brakes made it a force to be reckoned with on the track. The car achieved numerous victories in competition and helped establish BMW as a serious contender in the world of motorsports.
CSL stands for “Coupe Sport Leichtbau” in German, which translates to “Coupe Sport Lightweight”. The CSL version of the BMW 3.0 was a specially modified version of the standard 3.0 Coupe, designed for high-performance driving and racing. The CSL models featured several weight-saving measures, including thinner gauge steel body panels, aluminum doors and hood, and deleted sound insulation and trim. These changes reduced the car’s weight by around 440 pounds, which resulted in improved handling and acceleration. The CSL models also received several other upgrades, including larger brakes, stiffer suspension, and a high-performance engine, which made it a dominant force on the racetrack. The 3.0 CSL was based on the E9 chassis, originally designed by BMW’s chief designer, Wilhelm Hofmeister, but it featured numerous modifications that made it a dedicated race car.
Year/Make/Model: 1973 3.0 CSL (Race)
