1973 BMW 3.0CSL "Batmobile"

Undeniably effective in providing downforce on the track, the aerodynamic add-ons have a juvenile “boy racer” look compared to those of the 911 RS

by Rob Sass

The BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile” was one of the most outrageously brutal road-going homologation specials ever conceived, designed to exploit several loopholes and bring to BMW a German Saloon Car Championship. In order to homologate a more competitive racing car, the monocoque was formed from thinner-gauge steel, and aluminum was employed to skin the hood and trunk. An array of luxuries were deleted, such as the front bumper (the rear bumper was now formed of polyester), power steering, electric windows, thick carpets, comfortable seats, and sound deadening; in total, 250 kgs (approx. 551 lbs) were shaved off the curb weight.

Despite this, Ford managed to keep the Capri ahead of the CSL on the track, thanks largely to the supreme efforts of engineers Jochen Neerspach and Martin Braungart. However, in 1972, BMW adopted the attitude that “to beat them you have to buy them,” and thus Neerspach and Braungart joined BMW, becoming catalysts for the formation of...