Michael Satterfield
TGR Staff – 02/23/2022
Amelia Island is just around the corner and some of the best cars in the world will cross the block at RM Sotheby’s including this amazing BMW 3.0 CSL ‘Batmobile’ homologation special. This Taiga Metallic example is one of just 57 of the second series “Batmobile” models built for 1972.
The 3.0 CSL homologation special featured increased engine displacements and aerodynamic modifications, which would translate into race wins in the European Touring Car Championship, German Touring Car, FIA Group 5 events, and the American IMSA Camel GT series until 1976.
In 1973, Toine Hezemans would win the European Touring Car Championship in a CSL and would co-drive a CSL with Dieter Quester to a class victory at Le Mans. The CSL would also take first and second at the 1973 German Touring Car Grand Prix at Nürburgring. !975 would also bring home the IMSA GT Championship as well as the European Touring Car Championship a series BMW would continue to dominate until 1979.
Two production runs of “Bats” were built between 1971 and 1975, the first run of 110 3.0-liter cars came in standard BMW white or silver. The second run of just 57 cars, were equipped with 3.2-liter engines and could be ordered in all factory colors. This car is just one of four painted in Taiga Metallic and was original in Memmingen, Bavaria.
It is expected to bring between $325,000 – $375,000 at auction to see the full listing and more photos at rmsothebys.com.
