1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile Is An Icon Of The Brand’s Racing Heritage

Few motorsport-derived cars from BMW are as desirable as the 3.0 CSL and a particularly stunning example is heading to auction this weekend.

The German car manufacturer initially developed the 3.0 CSL as a homologation special for European touring car competition. Just 1,265 units were built but making this example particularly special is the fact that it has been equipped with all the upgrades of the race car, better known as the ‘Batmobile.’

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The listing over at Mecum Auctions reveals that this 1972 3.0 CSL originally resided in New Zealand before it was imported to the United States. Since landing on U.S. shores, it has participated in the Rolex Monterey Reunion in 2016 and 2018, as well as the Monterey Pre-Reunion at Laguna Seca in 2016 and 2018.

Among the race car parts adorning the exterior of this 3.0 CSL is an extended front spoiler, side-exiting tailpipes, and the rear wing of the Batmobile. The interior of the car has also been stripped-out and now includes a racing dashboard, racing seats, a roll cage, and a fire suppression system. Other key components of the car include Perspex side windows, an aluminum hood, trunk lid, and doors, and BBS wheels wrapped in Hoosier Racing tires.

Powering the 3.0 CSL is a 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated inline-six engine that produced 200 hp at 5,500 rpm when new and is mated to a four-speed manual transmission.