 1974 3.5 CSL |
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1975 BMW 3.5 CSL news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Coupe Chassis Num: 2240112 |
A limited production run of 'homologation specials' were built to meet the constrictive framework of the Group 2 racing class regulations. The base trim from the CS and CSi were removed, thinner steel for the main bodyshell was used, and aluminum alloy was used for the doors, bonnet and boot lid. The windows were made from Perspex. In all, the vehicle's weight dropped by 300 lbs.
When initially homologated, the cars were powered by an over-bored (3,003cc) engine enabling it to compete in the over 3-liter class. The 3.0 CSL produced 206 horsepower for road use and over 300 horsepower in race guise. In 1973, the engine's stroke was increased, upping capacity to 3,153cc (nominally 3.2 liters).
From mid-season in 1973, the CSLs used the 'Batmobile' aerodynamic package, developed at Stuttgart University, which had a large rear wing, a front chin spoiler, and various other bodystyle changes. The package was not legal for road use in Germany, the wings were left in the boot for final installation after purchase.
From 1975 onwards, the BMW 'Batmobiles' won five consecutive European Touring Car championships.
This BMW 3.5-Liter Group 2 Competition Coupe was restored between 2007 and 2012. It was a 3.2CSL that had been prepared to full Group 2 specification. The 3.5-litre engine offers 246 horsepower. The car has been raced successfully in Europe in the Masters series, driven by Roger Wills, Joe Twyman and John Fitzpatrick.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Monaco sale presented by Bonhams. The car was estimated to sell for €120,000 - 150,000 but bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2012
The 3.0 CSL race cars were the first cars to be developed under the new BMW subsidiary, established in 1972 - BMW Motorsport GmbH. They were the first to sport the newly designed official colors of BMW Motorsport - red, blue and purple.
Based on the 3.0 CS coupe production car, the CSL ('L') is for lightweight, referring to the aluminum doors and hood) began an assault on European touring car racing that would make it one of the most successful production racers of all time. In fact, CSL's continued to win races into the late 1970's, even though production ended in 1975 to make way for its successor, the 6 Series.
Throughout its span of development, the BMW six-cylinder engine, a 3.0-liter unit in the production car, grew from 3.2 to 3.5-liters, increasing in horsepower from 340 to 430, thanks to the development of a four-valve cylinder head.
The 3.0 CSL won six European Touring Car Championships between 1973 and 1979, as well as national championships in several other countries.
This 3.0 CSL was one of a team of three cars campaigned by BMW of North America in 1975 & 1976, enjoying considerable success, winning IMSA races at Sebring, Laguna Seca, Riverside, Daytona, Lime Rock and Talledega. Several drivers were involved in the American success of the CSL's including Hans Stuck, Sam Posey, Brian Redman, Allan Moffat, Dieter Quester, Benny Parsons, Peter Gregg and David Hobbs.
For more information and related vehicles, click hereBased on the 3.0 CS coupe production car, the CSL ('L') is for lightweight, referring to the aluminum doors and hood) began an assault on European touring car racing that would make it one of the most successful production racers of all time. In fact, CSL's continued to win races into the late 1970's, even though production ended in 1975 to make way for its successor, the 6 Series.
Throughout its span of development, the BMW six-cylinder engine, a 3.0-liter unit in the production car, grew from 3.2 to 3.5-liters, increasing in horsepower from 340 to 430, thanks to the development of a four-valve cylinder head.
The 3.0 CSL won six European Touring Car Championships between 1973 and 1979, as well as national championships in several other countries.
This 3.0 CSL was one of a team of three cars campaigned by BMW of North America in 1975 & 1976, enjoying considerable success, winning IMSA races at Sebring, Laguna Seca, Riverside, Daytona, Lime Rock and Talledega. Several drivers were involved in the American success of the CSL's including Hans Stuck, Sam Posey, Brian Redman, Allan Moffat, Dieter Quester, Benny Parsons, Peter Gregg and David Hobbs.
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| 1974 3.5 CSL |
