1973 BMW 3.0CSL 'Batmobile'
A BMW 3.0CS road car converted in the late 1980s into Batmobile specification by club racer Tim Busby, this machine has competed extensively across Europe and beyond over three decades. Under the co-ownership of Nick Whale and Ian Guest it won its class twice at the Classic Le Mans (2004 and 2006) and took the Index of Performance at the latter event, as well as class victories at Monza, Silverstone, and Spa. Subsequently raced in the Masters series by Alan Tice, the car retains its original Kugelfischer fuel injection and received an engine rebuild in 2014.
Ownership
- 2017-02-24Auction saleSold £94,000 (≈ $118K)
- 2004 →AuctionNick Whalepartial documentation
Purchased jointly with Ian Guest; the two campaigned the car extensively in Classic Endurance Racing events across Europe until it was subsequently sold.
- 2004 →Private saleIan Guestpartial documentation
Co-owner alongside Nick Whale; shared in the car's competition programme throughout the CER series before the car changed hands.
- → 2013Private saleAlan Ticepartial documentation
Campaigned the car successfully for two or three seasons in the Masters historic racing series before selling it on in 2013.
- 2013 →Private saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
A well-known classic car collector rather than an active racer; commissioned an engine rebuild and bodywork modifications during ownership, after which the car saw only minimal track use.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownTim Busbypartial documentation
The late Tim Busby, a saloon car racer, acquired a BMW 3.0CS road car and converted it to Batmobile racing specification in the late 1980s; he accumulated numerous strong results with it over the following years.
Competition
- 2004Classic Endurance Racing2004 Classic Le MansDriver: Nick Whale1st in Plateau class
Co-driven by Ian Guest; one of two Classic Le Mans appearances for this ownership pairing.
- 2006Classic Endurance Racing2006 Classic Le MansDriver: Nick Whale1st in Plateau class; Index of Performance winner
The car also claimed the prestigious Index of Performance award in addition to its class victory at this event.
- —Classic Endurance RacingMonza classic raceDriver: Nick WhaleClass win
One of several class victories achieved during the Whale/Guest ownership period in the CER series.
- —Classic Endurance RacingSilverstone classic raceDriver: Nick WhaleClass win
One of several class victories achieved during the Whale/Guest ownership period in the CER series.
- —Classic Endurance RacingSpa classic raceDriver: Nick WhaleClass win
One of several class victories achieved during the Whale/Guest ownership period in the CER series.
- —Masters Historic RacingMasters historic touring car racesDriver: Alan TiceMultiple successful results
Alan Tice ran the car for approximately two to three seasons in the Masters series.
- —Silverstone track day
A single track day at Silverstone covering only a small number of laps, conducted during the current vendor's ownership following the 2014 engine rebuild.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2014Engine rebuildLester Owen
Full engine rebuild carried out by a specialist, with a resulting output confirmed on a dynamometer at 379 bhp and 306 lb/ft of torque; the original Kugelfischer slide fuel injection was retained.
Work cost approximately £6,800 and was completed late in 2014; dyno sheet is included with the car.
- —Modification
Original BMW 3.0CS road car converted to Batmobile racing specification, replicating the homologation bodywork and competition configuration.
Conversion carried out by Tim Busby in the late 1980s; specific date unknown.
- —Bodywork
Bodywork modified to Group IV-style wheel arch specification and the car refinished with a complete repaint.
Carried out during the current vendor's ownership, exact date not stated.
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