What is the greatest BMW ever built? Well, some say it’s the E30-generation BMW M3. Others point to the 507 of the 1950s, a vehicle that nearly bankrupted the company. To me, it’s the E9, the predecessor to the 6 Series.
Produced from 1968 to 1975, the E9 is the most beautiful BMW ever built in my book. But it’s not just Wilhelm Hofmeister’s styling cues that make the E9 a great classic. The E9 was also the first vehicle developed into a race car by the BMW M division. The latter was founded in the early 1970s to support the company’s racing efforts.
The project gave birth to the 3.0 CSL, a homologation special built to make the E9 eligible for racing in the European Touring Car Championship. Based on the 3.0 CS, the CSL was notably lighter than its showroom counterpart. By using thinner sheet metal, aluminum panels, and deleting the trim and soundproofing, BMW lowered the car’s weight by 300 pounds (136 kg).
The CSL was originally fitted with the CS’s 2,986 cc inline-six engine, but BMW eventually increased displacement to 3,003 cc in 1972 to allow the coupe to be raced in the “over 3.0-liter” class. A few months later, the 3.0 CSL gained a 3,153 cc powerplant. This final version generated 203 horsepower and 211 pound-feet (286 Nm) of torque.
In addition to the beefed-up engine, the 3.0 CSL was also homologated with an aerodynamic body kit. The bundle included a big front spoiler, front fender fins, a roof spoiler, and a tall rear wing. The package earned the car the nickname “Batmobile.”
The 3.0 CSL had a perfect maiden season and won the 1973 European Touring Car Championship. The German race car also won its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year. The CSL scored five more ETCC championships from 1975 to 1979 and enjoyed success in the IMSA GT Championship.
BMW built 1,265 units until 1975 when the E9 was replaced by the E24 6 Series. The car you see here is one of those historically significant Bimmers. And while it’s not a wild-looking “Batmobile,” it’s a very rare first series 3.0 CSL. Specifically, it’s one of the 169 pre-production prototypes that BMW put together before regular production commenced in 1972. It’s also one of only 55 of those vehicles painted Gold Leaf.
But the lack of aero bits isn’t the only thing setting it apart from the 3.0 CSLs that followed. This Bimmer was also built before the company switched to fuel injection. Specifically, the engine relies on twin Zenith 35/40INAT downdraught carburetors for oomph. And here’s an outstanding piece of information: the car still features the original carbs.
In fact, this 3.0 CSL is as original as they get. According to Legendary Motorcar, the coupe has been maintained in its factory configuration since new, so it’s pretty much a time capsule. Take a closer look and you’ll notice some patina on the yellow paint and black stripes. And of course, the inline-six engine is a numbers-matching unit.
It’s also one of only a few 3.0 CSLs that made it on US soil. The car wasn’t offered in North America. This BMW was originally delivered in Italy and found its way into the United States in 1982. Yup, it’s one of those rigs you won’t see on public roads very often, but this review by “Legendary Motorcar” provides a detailed look at one of the finest and rarest German vehicles ever produced.