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Photos - 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Werks Development Car

1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Werks Development Car

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1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Werks Development Car 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Werks Development Car 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Werks Development Car

Source: Dylan Miles

Nov 26, 2025 at 2:52pm ET

The 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL is a significant vehicle in automotive history, being the first M car developed by BMW Motorsport. Created in late 1972 and early 1973, it was the inaugural model from the newly established BMW Motorsport division, leading to the production of 21 CSL Werks cars, 11 of which were raced by the factory team.

This car played a crucial role in the development of the iconic Batmobile Aero Kit, showcasing BMW’s innovative approach during a competitive era in the 1970s.

After its initial racing season, the E9/R1 was sold to an American racing team for the 1974 IMSA championship. Following its racing career, the car was eventually acquired by a BMW collection in the early 1980s before being purchased by a private owner in the mid-1990s.

Since then, it has undergone extensive restoration to maintain its originality, a rare feat for a development vehicle. The car has remained largely unseen for three decades, with notable public appearances at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed and the 2025 Salon Prive Concours D’Elegance.

BMW recently paid homage to the CSL legacy with a limited-run model featuring a 553-horsepower engine and unique bodywork reminiscent of the Batmobile. The original 1972 CSL, however, boasts a larger 3.5-liter inline-six engine, reportedly producing over 400 horsepower.

While the listing does not disclose the car’s price, it invites interested parties to apply for more information, highlighting the car’s exclusivity and historical significance. 

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