One to Buy: ex-works 1973 BMW E9 3.0 CSL Gr.2
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The epic 1973 European Touring Car Championship battle between Ford and BMW remains a high point for tin-top racing to this day. Both firms employed the best drivers available and spent huge sums to develop the most extreme Group 2 cars yet seen.
To challenge the hitherto dominant Ford Capri RS, BMW Motorsport created the 3.0 CSL homologation special which, mid-way through the ‘73 campaign, sprouted the infamous ‘Batmobile’ aero kit that transformed the elegant E9-based Coupe into the best car on the grid.
Backed by satellite teams Alpina and Schnitzer, BMW de-throned Ford in the Manufacturers’ contest and Toine Hezemans was crowned Drivers’ champion.
On August 18th, RM Sotheby’s will be putting a veteran of that memorable 1973 season under the hammer when CSL chassis 2275997 crosses the block.
Completed in May 1973, the ex-works car contested that year’s Spa 24 Hours, Nurburgring 1000km, Zandvoort 4 Hours and Nurburgring 6 Hours. At the end of the season it was sold to Hurting Team Libra following BMW’s withdrawal from frontline motorsport owing to the Oil Crisis.
Hurting Team Libra ran the car in select rounds of the 1974 IMSA GT and Trans-Am championships, after which 2275997 was sold to Daniel Muniz who contested the 1975 Sebring 12 Hours.
Today this fabulous machine is offered in superb condition having been restored to 1973 Group 2 trim.
