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1975 BMW 3.5 CSL Navigation
The 3.0 CLS race cars were the first cars to be developed under the new BMW Motorsport GmbH subsidiary, established in 1972 and led by Jochen Neerpasch. They were also the first to sport the new official colors of BMW Motorsport - red, purple and blue.
Based on the production 3.0 CS coupe, the aluminum skinned CSL (L = lightweight) homologation special, nicknamed the 'Batmobile' by its fans, formed the basis for an assault on Group 2 through Group 5 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 BMW 6 Series.
Throughout its span on development, the BMW inline 6-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 bhp, thanks to the development of a four-valve cylinder head.
This 3.5 CSL was one of a group of five chassis campaigned by BMW of North America in the 1975 & 1976 IMSA Camel GT Series in Group 4 specifications. Campaigned under the racing number #25 and #25, the CSL enjoyed considerable success winning at Sebring, Riverside, Laguna Seca, Daytona and Talladega in 1975. In 1976, it campaigned as the #59 car driven by Peter Gregg, Brian Redman and John Fitzpatrick. Several iconic drivers were involved in the American success of the CSL's, including Hans Stuck, Sam Posey, Brian Redman, Ronnie Peterson, Dieter Quester, Benny Parsons, Peter Gregg and David Hobbs. All five chassis are still in existence.
This car is configured as it raced at the 1975 12 Horus of Sebring.
Based on the production 3.0 CS coupe, the aluminum skinned CSL (L = lightweight) homologation special, nicknamed the 'Batmobile' by its fans, formed the basis for an assault on Group 2 through Group 5 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 BMW 6 Series.
Throughout its span on development, the BMW inline 6-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 bhp, thanks to the development of a four-valve cylinder head.
This 3.5 CSL was one of a group of five chassis campaigned by BMW of North America in the 1975 & 1976 IMSA Camel GT Series in Group 4 specifications. Campaigned under the racing number #25 and #25, the CSL enjoyed considerable success winning at Sebring, Riverside, Laguna Seca, Daytona and Talladega in 1975. In 1976, it campaigned as the #59 car driven by Peter Gregg, Brian Redman and John Fitzpatrick. Several iconic drivers were involved in the American success of the CSL's, including Hans Stuck, Sam Posey, Brian Redman, Ronnie Peterson, Dieter Quester, Benny Parsons, Peter Gregg and David Hobbs. All five chassis are still in existence.
This car is configured as it raced at the 1975 12 Horus of Sebring.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
Recent Sales of the BMW 3.5 CSL
(Data based on Model Year 1975 sales)
BMW 3.5 CSLs That Failed To Sell At Auction
1975 BMW 3.5 CSL's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
| Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 BMW CSL 3.5-Litre Group 2 Competition Coupé | 2240112 | 2012 Bonhams The Monaco Sale 'Les Grandes Marques à Monaco' | $120,000 | $150,000 |
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