Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).
Produced from late 1972 to 1975 along three distinct series, BMW's 3.0 CLS 'Batmobile' was a homologated racing car for the road. The 'L' suffix represented 'leicht' or 'lightweight.' During its production lifespan, 1,265 examples were factory-produced, with 765 of those being left-hand drive cars. 500 were right-hand drive for the UK market. These cars had lightweight alloy hood and outer door skins, thin-gauge steel panels, a lightweight interior and a modified engine. The cars destined for the UK had their stock bumpers, power windows and soundproofing. The LHD versions did not have front bumpers or soundproofing and featured lightweight fiberglass rear bumpers. The cars received their nickname, the 'Batmobile' due to their radical use of aerodynamic devices.
Toine Hezemans secured the ETCC (European Touring Car Competition) with a 3.0 CSL and co-drove one with Dieter Quester to a class victory at Le Mans in 1973. Also that year, the 3.0 CSL finished 1-2 at the German Touring Car Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, with Chris Amon and Hans-Joachim Stuck placing ahead of Hezemans and Quester. The 3.0 CLS won the ETCC from 1975 through 1979. IN the United States, the 3.0 CSL won the IMSA GT Championship while being piloted by such drivers as Sam Posey, Ronnie Peterson and Brian Redman. The 3.0 CSL was also the canvas for BMW's first 'Art Cars,' as painted by noted artists Alexander Calder and Frank Stella.
Only 167 examples of the 3.0 CSL with the 'Batmobile' aerodynamic equipment and powered by the enlarged 3153cc six-cylinder engine.
This 'Batmobile' is the 12th Series 3 car produced. It was given a restoration that was completed in 1998 and has been carefully maintained since that time. It is finished in Polaris Silver with tri-color 'M' stripes and Plexiglas side windows. It has the deleted front bumper and a black fiberglass rear bumper. There is a roof hoop, rear wing, rear spoiler, front-fender wind splits and a front air dam. The interior features period-style Scheel racing seats. The car rides on Alpina wheels with Michelin XWX tires.
In 2011, this car was offered for sale at the Monterey, CA auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $120,000-$160,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $159,500, including buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011
Toine Hezemans secured the ETCC (European Touring Car Competition) with a 3.0 CSL and co-drove one with Dieter Quester to a class victory at Le Mans in 1973. Also that year, the 3.0 CSL finished 1-2 at the German Touring Car Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, with Chris Amon and Hans-Joachim Stuck placing ahead of Hezemans and Quester. The 3.0 CLS won the ETCC from 1975 through 1979. IN the United States, the 3.0 CSL won the IMSA GT Championship while being piloted by such drivers as Sam Posey, Ronnie Peterson and Brian Redman. The 3.0 CSL was also the canvas for BMW's first 'Art Cars,' as painted by noted artists Alexander Calder and Frank Stella.
Only 167 examples of the 3.0 CSL with the 'Batmobile' aerodynamic equipment and powered by the enlarged 3153cc six-cylinder engine.
This 'Batmobile' is the 12th Series 3 car produced. It was given a restoration that was completed in 1998 and has been carefully maintained since that time. It is finished in Polaris Silver with tri-color 'M' stripes and Plexiglas side windows. It has the deleted front bumper and a black fiberglass rear bumper. There is a roof hoop, rear wing, rear spoiler, front-fender wind splits and a front air dam. The interior features period-style Scheel racing seats. The car rides on Alpina wheels with Michelin XWX tires.
In 2011, this car was offered for sale at the Monterey, CA auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $120,000-$160,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $159,500, including buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2011
2011 RM Auctions at Monterey
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $120,000-USD $160,000
Sale Price :
USD $159,500
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the BMW 3.0 CSL
(Data based on Model Year 1973 sales)
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 'Works Evocation' Chassis#: 2285395 Sold for USD$298,534 2023 RM Sothebys : Munich | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile' Series 1 Coupé Chassis#: 2275496 Sold for USD$388,967 2023 Bonhams : The Zoute Sale | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile' Chassis#: 2275432 Sold for USD$309,999 2023 RM Sothebys : Villa Erba | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Chassis#: 2285306 Sold for USD$121,023 2021 Silverstone Auctions : The Race Retro Live Online Auction | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile Homage' Chassis#: 2285253 Sold for USD$138,339 2020 Silverstone Auctions : The NEC Classic Live Online Auction | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 'BATMOBILE' GROUP 2 EVOCATION Chassis#: 2231716 Sold for USD$119,120 2020 Silverstone Auctions : The May Live Online Auction | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Coupé Chassis#: 2285482 Sold for USD$93,554 2018 Bonhams : London Olympia | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile' Coupé Chassis#: 2275537 Sold for USD$203,824 2018 Bonhams : Zoute Sale | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 'Batmobile' Recreation Chassis#: 2231716 Sold for USD$88,131 2018 Historics @ Brooklands - Motor Museum | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Coupe Sold for USD$118,134 2017 Shannons Sydney Spring Classic Auction | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Chassis#: 2285169 Sold for USD$86,342 2017 Silverstone - NEC Classic Motor Show | |
1973 BMW E9 3.0 CSL Chassis#: 2285411 Sold for USD$162,027 2017 Coys : Thoroughbred & Vintage at Fontwell House | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Chassis#: 2285416 Sold for USD$137,250 2017 Silverstone - Classic | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Chassis#: 2285287 Sold for USD$108,008 2017 Silverstone - The May Sale | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL BATMOBILE Chassis#: 2275525 Sold for USD$330,000 2017 Bonhams : Scottsdale, AZ | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Chassis#: 2275396 Sold for USD$126,500 2016 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL BATMOBILE Chassis#: 2275449 Sold for USD$341,000 2016 Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Chassis#: 2285486 Sold for USD$19,600 2015 H & H Auctions - Imperial War Museum | |
1973 BMW 3.0 L CSL Chassis#: 2275227 Sold for USD$149,354 2015 Rétromobile by Artcurial Motorcars | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Chassis#: 2275047 Sold for USD$63,250 2013 Gooding and Company - The Amelia Island Auction |
BMW 3.0 CSLs That Failed To Sell At Auction
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL | 2275997 | 2023 RM Sothebys : Monterey | $800,000 | $1,000,000 | |
1973 BMW 3.0L CSL | 2275141 | 2022 Artcurial : Retromobile | $280,000 | $340,000 | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL directly from Jay Kay | 2285400 | 2021 Silverstone Auctions : The Race Retro Live Online Auction | |||
1973 BMW 3.0L CSL | 2285339 | 2020 Artcurial : Retromobile | $100,000 | $140,000 | |
1973 BMW 3.0L CSL | 2285404 | 2018 Artcurial : LeMans Classic | $150,000 | $180,000 | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL | 2285458 | 2013 H & H Auctions Chateau Impney | |||
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Rare Left Hand Drive D-Jet Car | 2275396 | 2012 Mecum Monterey, CA | $90,000 | ||
1973 BMW 3.0L CSL Batmobile Race Car | 2240112 | 2012 Silverstone Classic Sale | |||
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Coupé | 2275401 | 2011 Bonhams Power by BMW BMW Powered Motor Cars, Motorcycles & Related Automobilia | $75,000 | $95,000 | |
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Coupé | 2275401 | 2011 Bonhams Power by BMW | $75,000 | $95,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $147,177 range.
1965 Porsche 356C Coupe Chassis#:219141 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Monterey | |
1991 Ferrari Testarossa Chassis#:ZFFSG17A5M0086759 Sold for $148,400 2024 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 Chassis#:109.018-12-006395 Sold for $148,400 2024 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Newmarket Convertible Sedan Chassis#:s126pr Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Monterey | |
1978 Ford Bronco XLT Ranger Chassis#:u15hlak3059 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Monterey | |
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window A/C Coupe Chassis#:30837s103410 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback Chassis#:9f02g187360 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 Coupe Chassis#:136370a155326 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe Chassis#:30837s105885 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback Chassis#:0f02g136695 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda Chassis#:bs23j0b305111 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda Coupe Chassis#:bs23j0b296092 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1970 CHEVROLET CAMARO CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#:124870L514021 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1990 FERRARI TESTAROSSA Chassis#:ZFFSG17A2L0084384 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1954 BUICK SKYLARK CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:7A1130071 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1969 PONTIAC GTO JUDGE RAM AIR IV Chassis#:242379B176476 Sold for $148,500 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1969 Dodge Charger Chassis#:xp29h9b244418 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1969 Chevrolet COPO Camaro Chassis#:124379n693711 Sold for $148,500 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1972 GMC Jimmy Chassis#:tke182f502647 Sold for $145,750 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Chassis#:vc56k087366 Sold for $145,750 2024 Mecum : Glendale |