1975 BMW Phase 2 CSL Batmobile 3153cc
(Featured on 15th February 2012)
Make: BMW
Model: CSL
Year: 1975
Sellers original description:
A stunning CSL Batmobile in show winning condition.
Equipment:
Lightweight front spoiler, Roof spoiler, Boot spoiler, Electric rear windows, PAS, Scheel sports seats, Sports steering wheel, Alloy wheels, Aluminum bonnet and door skins.
Exterior:
Finished in its original production colour Taiga Green this Batmobile is one of of only four produced in what is arguably one of the best CSL colours. These phase two cars were all assembled in BMW’s Motorsport department and unlike the first series of 110 phase one batmobiles that were available only in ‘polaris’ silver or ‘chamonix’ white any available color and a wide variety of options could be specified.
This car has recently undergone a 5 year, no expense spared restoration bring it up to a concours winning standard, this is documented with invoices and a photographic record of the work. The car is completely spotless and the underside is just as clean as the top! The car is ready for classic Rallies or Concours events.
Interior:
The interior in a BMW e9 coupe is like none other, beautifully laid out with lashings of wood trim it is a wonderful place to be. Even more so in a Batmobile looking out over the bonnet to see the front wing spoilers and a big rear wing looming through the rear window.
The wood in the car is in excellent condition and retains its original finish, it sits perfectly in the interior and looks like new. All the heater controls work as do all the dash lights and steering column controls. There is no radio which means you have no choice but to listen to the howl of the wonderful 3.2L straight 6, it also means no large unsightly speaker holes in the door cards or rear parcel shelf leaving it in fantastic condition. The original Petri sports steering wheel is still present and in fantastic condition.
Engine & Transmission:
Whilst still being badged a 3.0 CSL the engine stroke was increased which raised engine capacity to 3153cc. This Batmobile had the engine fully rebuilt when the car was restored, it runs perfectly and looks like new, a work of art in our eyes. The gearbox has also been overhauled to match the rest of the spectacular condition of the car.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes:
The car is fitted with 16" Alpina wheels all of which are in perfect condition and shod with new Michelin tyres. During the restoration all the brakes have been overhauled and are not showing any significant signs of wear. Every component under the car has been refinished to meet factory specifications and then all bolts and nuts marked to ensure they have undergone their final tightening sequence. This attention to detail and quality control is proof of a thorough and professional restoration.
History file:
This ultimate series 2 CSL Batmobile was finished on May 30th 1975 and delivered a few days later to BMW dealer, Höss in Memmingen, Germany. It was then imported to New Jersey in the United states in the 1980's and owned by Bobert B Picut. The car was then exported back to Germany in the early 1990's by the former president of the German BMW car club. In 2004 work commenced on a 5 year, no expense spared concours restoration to original BMW specification and finished in original colour code Taiga 072. Only four Batmobiles ever left BMW in this rare colour. There is a complete photo album showing the restoration from start to finish which also includes photographs of all the new parts used.
The current owner has had the car registered in the UK and kept in his private collection for the last 2 years.
This car is no. 49 of 57 ultimate second series `Batmobiles’ ever built, chassis numbers 4355001-4355057, of which not more than a third are believed to survive to date. Given such rarity and the sheer importance to BMW’s racing tradition in being the first ‘M’ Motorsport BMW this car would form a great addition to any high quality collection.
Photos:
