The Lightweight BMW:

The hugely recognisable BMW 3.0 CSL was a homologation special, built to allow BMW to enter the highly competitive European Touring Car Championship. The ‘L’ in the model name meant ‘leicht’, which in English is ‘light’, with weight saving achieved by using thinner steel throughout the body, with BMW fitting aluminium doors and bonnet. Engineers also removed power-steering, carpet and soundproofing whilst also fitting figure-hugging Scheel sports seats. Total weight saving was rumoured to be in the region of 140 kgs.

The early 3.0 CSL’s retained the same engine as the 3.0 CS, with the bore enlarged by one quarter of a millimetre, resulting in a displacement of 3,003 cc. This important enlargement allowed the CSL’s to compete in the ‘over three litre’ competition category, at the time being dominated by Ford.

In June 1973, the ultimate, and final, 3.0 CSL specification was homologated. The engine was enlarged further, this time to 3,153 cc, by increasing the stroke to 84 mm, with the car also receiving a heavily updated aerodynamics package, developed at the Stuttgart University. A large front air dam was fitted along with a spoiler above the rear window, with perhaps the most iconic large rear wing mounted atop the boot lid. The whole package added 90kg of downforce to the CSL at 124 mph, also earning the 3.0 CSL’s the nickname ‘Batmobile’.

With the Batmobile, BMW went on to win the 1973 European Touring Car Championship with Toine Hezemans, defeating the previously all-conquering Ford Capri RS2600s. Hezemans also co-drove a 3.0 CSL to a class victory at the 1973 Le Mans 24 Hours with Dieter Quester. The BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile went on to claim a further five consecutive European Touring Car Championships from 1975, an extraordinary run of success!

This Batmobile:

The fabulous 3.0 CSL Batmobile we are offering here, chassis 2275450, completed manufacture at the Bayerische Motoren Werke A.G. (BMW) factory on October 18^th 1973, being finished in full Batmobile specification with the 3,153 cc engine.

The car was painted in Polaris Silver Metallic and imported new to Sweden by Forenade Bill Import AB before being sold new to its first owner, Hans Eric Pamklev in April 1974. Rarely, this BMW 3.0 CSL retains its original owner’s manual, confirming the delivery information, but also showing how well loved this car was. Mr Pamklev was clearly enjoying his new vehicle, with yearly service stamps showing the mileage steadily increasing. The first stamp appears in October 1974 with the car displaying 751 kms, then in July 1975 2,326 kms, and in July 1976 3,897 kms. Hans was also fastidious with keeping documentation, the car is still accompanied by nearly thirty Swedish annual inspection reports, again confirming and documenting the steadily increasing mileage.

Mr Pamklev maintained ownership of this car for over 35 years before it was bought by a German sportscar dealer. During this ownership the car was cosmetically restored, with the body being repainted in the original Polaris Silver Metallic. During this repaint, it was decided that the black bonnet fins would not be refitted, although they remain with the car and can be fitted if desired. These works, which also included fitting a new exhaust, wheel refurbishment and renewal of various suspension components, totalled €20,000, with copies of the invoices still accompanying the car.

In 2014, the engine and mechanical components were inspected and renewed as required by specialists, HW Motorsport, in Germany, with a copy of the invoice, totalling €35,000, within the cars extensive history file. During the works the injection system was also removed, inspected and cleaned, a new radiator fitted, new clutch and slave cylinders fitted, the front and rear axles were stripped and repainted, brake calipers serviced, new handbrake cables and fuel lines fitted, new fuel pump and expansion tank fitted, along with all fluids being renewed.

Also, in 2014 the car was awarded its BMW Classiche Certificate, before being sold to only its second private owner. Fresh from an extensive detail, this Batmobile is presented in truly exceptional condition throughout.

The BMW 3.0 CSL is undoubtedly one of the most evocative and successful touring cars, having claimed no less than six European Championships. The stunning 3.0 CSL we are offering, featuring its original engine, finished in its original colour combination, having been recently rebuilt throughout, wearing the most outrageous aerodynamics package with BMW’s instantly recognisable stripes, offers the new owner a great opportunity to experience the Batmobile and all it has to offer.

SOLD!