206+ bhp, 3,153 cc inline six-cylinder engine, Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, Getrag five-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 103.4"

- Early Series 3 CSL “Batmobile”; one of just 110 built

- Restored by BMW coupe experts Dan Koturov and Carl Nelson in 1997-98

- Desirable colors and upgrades

- 1970s motorsport icon

Built along three distinct series between late 1972 and 1975, BMW’s 3.0 CSL (the "L" suffix signified "leicht" or "lightweight") “Batmobile” was truly a homologated racing car for the road. Just 1,265 examples were factory-produced, of which 765 were left-hand drive cars and 500 were right-hand drive for the UK market. Common features to all cars included lightweight alloy hood and outer door skins, thin-gauge steel panels, a lightweight interior and up-rated engines. While the UK-destined cars were somewhat more civilized and retained their stock bumpers, power windows and soundproofing, the raucous LHD cars neither had front bumpers nor soundproofing and featured lightweight fiberglass rear bumpers. Beginning with Series 3, of which the car offered here is an example, a host of radical aerodynamic devices were fitted to the CSL and inspired the car’s “Batmobile” nickname.

On the track, the 3.0 CSL was more than a match for its nemesis, the Ford Capri, and created a sensation in German Touring Car (DTM) and European Touring Car (ETCC) competition. Toine Hezemans secured the ETCC championship with a 3.0 CSL and co-drove one with Dieter Quester to a class victory at Le Mans in 1973. That same year, the 3.0 CSL scored a 1-2 finish at the German Touring Car Grand Prix at the famous Nürburgring, with Chris Amon and Hans-Joachim Stuck placing ahead of Hezemans and Quester. The 3.0 CSL went on to win the ETCC from 1975 through 1979, and Stateside, the 3.0 CSL contested the IMSA GT Championship, scoring wins with such well known drivers as Sam Posey, Ronnie Peterson and Brian Redman. The 3.0 CSL was also the canvas for BMW’s first “Art Cars,” as painted by noted artists Alexander Calder and Frank Stella.

Only 167 3.0 CSLs were built, with both the Series 3 and Series 3.5 cars equipped with the iconic “Batmobile” aerodynamic equipment and powered by the enlarged 3,153 cc six-cylinder engine. This “Batmobile” from 1973, chassis 2275441, is the 12th Series 3 car produced. It was professionally restored by noted BMW coupe specialists Dan Koturov and Carl Nelson between 1997 and 1998 and carefully maintained in show-quality condition ever since. In addition to its desirable Polaris Silver exterior finish with tri-color 'M' stripes, it retains all the correct lightweight aluminum body panels (door skins, hood and trunk lid) and Plexiglas side windows, as well as the deleted front bumper and a black fiberglass rear bumper. The complete suite of “Batmobile” aerodynamic devices includes the roof hoop, rear wing, rear spoiler, front-fender wind splits and a front air dam. Performance is even stronger, with engine displacement increased to 3.5 liters and a Shrick 282 camshaft. The interior is equipped with a set of correct, period-style Scheel racing seats, and the car is complete with original equipment spec Alpina wheels and with Michelin XWX tires.

This expertly restored and carefully maintained “Batmobile” is a very fine example of this rarefied breed. With their brilliant racing heritage and sublime driving dynamics, these cars have been popular in Europe for many years, but they have only recently been “discovered” by astute North American collectors.