1973 BMW CSL 'Batmobile'

2231964racingGermany

Engine: 3.5L inline-six

A BMW E9 3.0CS coupé, originally a left-hand-drive 1973 road car, that has been comprehensively converted to FIA Group 2 'Batmobile' specification, replicating the homologated 1975 CSL racing configuration. The build was undertaken with technical assistance from Laranca Engineering, a marque specialist with extensive CSL experience, and completed in 2022. Highlights include a Laranca 3.5-litre dry-sump race engine producing 384 bhp, full rotisserie bodywork restoration, and valid FIA HTP papers (GB12959) through end of 2031.

Ownership

2024-08-24Auction sale
Sold £140,000 (≈ $175K)
Iconic Auctioneers catalogue lot →
2020 →Private sale
Private owner
partial documentation
Acquired a standard left-hand-drive 1973 3.0CS road car during the COVID-19 lockdown period and commissioned a full Group 2 racing conversion, completed in 2022. The car has accumulated only test and dyno miles since completion.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

2022Restoration
Normandale
Full rotisserie bodywork restoration beginning with a stripped and sandblasted shell, carried out by Normandale. The body was lightened and strengthened to homologation specifications, fitted with the correct 1975 box-arch kit, handmade aluminium bonnet, boot lid and door skins, and painted in BMW racing livery with all striping applied directly in paint.
Photographic documentation of the shell preparation process is included with the car.
2022Engine rebuild
Laranca Engineering
A Laranca-built 3.5-litre race engine with billet dry-sump lubrication system was installed, incorporating top-specification components including a modified brand-new BMW cylinder head. Output confirmed at 384 bhp on a dyno, with the dyno sheet included.
The Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection pump was fully rebuilt and a new slide throttle assembly fitted; the fuel injection system alone reportedly cost over £20,000.
2022Mechanical
Laranca Engineering
Comprehensive mechanical build encompassing a race-specification Getrag 265 gearbox, Laranca race differential with high-grade output shafts, fully plumbed differential cooler and rear-mounted radiator, new top-specification AP Racing braking system (CP 2270 and CP 2271 calipers, new discs and bells, driver-adjustable bias pedal box), 120-litre ATL fuel bag in an alloy container, bespoke racing wiring harness with Stack instruments and OMP fire suppression, and fully adjustable Laranca coilover suspension with re-engineered rear end and a converted front subframe using a steering rack and aircraft-grade alloy control arms.
Braking system calculations were provided by BG Developments (AP Racing UK). FIA HTP papers (GB12959) were issued upon completion of the build and are valid until 31 December 2031. An FIA and MSA certificated roll cage is fitted. New CNC-machined split-rim wheels with Avon slicks (test miles only) are fitted.

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