BMW 3.0 CSL ‘BATMOBILE’ (1973)

BMW 3.0 CSL ‘BATMOBILE’ (1973)

CHASSIS N. 2275484

ENGINE: 6 CYLINDER

DISPLACEMENT: 3.153 CM3

POWER:  206 cv

BODY STYLE: COUPE’

A ROAD ‘BATMOBILE’ IN UNIQUE, TIME-WARP, CONDITION

At the end of the 1960s Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) was in good shape due to its successful four cylinder models, and was ready to step up in six-pot territory.

The new ‘six’ went in the 2500 and 2800 saloons. Meanwhile, the unassuming 2000CS ‘four’ was reengineered with the six cylinder 2.8 and a new front designed by Michelotti. Power passed from 120 to 170 bhp and the E9 series was born.

In 1971 the elegant coupé was pushed even higher with a 3.0 liter/180 bhp version, and quickly it caught the attention of racing types who started using it in Touring championships.

This made way for the CSL, with alloy panels and simplified seats to shed some weight, and finally in 1973 the definitive version was launched. Displacement went up to 3153 cm3, power to 206 bhp, and an aerodynamic kit was created for this Homologation Special. As soon as they saw it, enthusiasts and press called it the Batmobile. Its generous, yet flexible engine was to be the base for every six cylinder “M”, up to the futuristic M1.

As an Homologation Special, the car should have been produced in 500 units, but some semiofficial sources state the total was just 167, while the total E9 production is more than 30,000 units.

This Batmobile (authenticated by BMW) is therefore an extremely rare and valuable collection item, probably irrepeatable in these never-raced, low-mileage, original condition. Most cars in fact have been raced and abused, and possibly restored in recent years, losing their patina and originality forever.

It’s a unique opportunity to purchase a very important motor car with a very strong investment potential.

The vehicle is in excellent mechanical condition but for safety reasons, we advise the purchaser to have it checked over and to replace the fluids, filters and perishable elements.