1973 BMW 3.0L CSL 'Batmobile' Race Car

Introduced by BMW in 1972, their legendary' Batmobile' was a 'homologation special' allowing them to compete competitively in the European Touring Car series of the day. The 'L' stood for "leicht", meaning light weight - which it most certainly was. The doors, bonnet and boot were all made of aluminium and the steel body shell was made of special thinner steel. To further optimise track performance an aerodynamic package was developed which included a large air dam at the front, short fins on the front wings, a roof spoiler and a large rear wing.

This look earned the car the nickname of 'Batmobile' and the factory were very successful, winning the European Touring Car Championship every year from 1975 to 1979, even including a 1973 class win at Le Mans - in a saloon!

This car was built in to a racing car by Techspeed of Leamington Spa, under the watchful eye of former head of Andy Rouse Engineering, Vic Drake. Using a clean left hand drive shell which was acid dipped and seam welded, it was fitted with a welded in Custom Cage and built to FIA spec with the best brakes and suspension available. A Lester Owen engine that included period correct rare parts, such as Kugelfischer injection, was built and the car gave a reliable 350BHP. Thoroughly tested but unraced, it was then sold by owners, Ray Armes and Nick Carr, to noted New Zealand racer, Roger Wills.

It was then raced extensively by Roger during the last 4 years or so all over Europe, in both the Masters 70's series and the JD Classics Challenge for 1970's Touring Cars. It is also eligible for and welcome in Patrick Peter's Classic Endurance Racing series.