1978 BMW 320i Turbo GTU
BMW Motorsport's sole IMSA Lightweight variant of the E21 320i Turbo, chassis 003 was constructed in 1978 as a purpose-built improvement over the original two factory racers, shedding nearly 300 pounds through fiberglass bodywork and featuring twin rear-mounted radiators and the 600 hp M12/9 turbocharged engine. Driven by David Hobbs and Derek Bell during the 1978–1979 IMSA seasons, it notably won the Road America 500 in 1979. The program's turbo technology directly informed the BMW engine that powered Nelson Piquet's 1983 Formula 1 World Championship. One of five 320i Turbo IMSA chassis built and the only Lightweight example.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$731,000
Competition
No competition history extracted from the catalogue.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1978ModificationBMW Motorsport
Chassis 003 was constructed as a lightweight variant, reducing overall weight by nearly 300 pounds compared to earlier factory cars. Bodywork was revised with a one-piece hood incorporating integrated fenders, a front nose-splitter, and a wider squared rear section housing twin radiators behind large 19-inch rear wheels.
McLaren Engines' turbo development for this chassis resulted in the M12/9 engine classification, producing approximately 600 hp.
- 2008Restoration
Comprehensive freshening of the car for continued historic event use carried out by or on behalf of the new owner after acquisition.
Work was commissioned by Henry Schmitt following his purchase of the car; scope described as thorough preparation for event campaigning.
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