With only 1,039 CSLs produced between 1972 and 1975 compared to over 19,000 standard CS/CSi models, these “specials” will always be relatively rare, and today this ultimate BMW coupe is highly sought after.
The 31st of only 57 Series 2 cars produced, chassis number 4355031 was delivered new on July 11, 1974. BMW factory records list this car as a Testwagen M GmbH (M Division test car). First registered in Germany on July 14, 1974, it was allocated to Works driver Hans-Joachim Stuck.
The Batmobile was next owned by Christian Neureuther, a member of the West German Olympic ski team, world champion Rosi Mittermaier’s husband, and Stuck’s close friend. The car was purchased via his sponsor from Jochen Neerpasch, head of BMW Motorsport GmbH. In 1978, Neureuther sold 4355031 to Joseph Zahler, who retained the car until 1995, when world-renowned CSL expert Yannick Bernat acquired it. Bernat immediately commissioned CSL specialist Dieter Toegel to undertake a full restoration using original BMW parts, including the correct, thin-gauge alloy body panels. During restoration, the Batmobile was fitted with a period-correct Alpina B2 engine (an in-period factory option) producing 260 hp — 57 horsepower more than the standard CSL — although it was considerably more expensive.
Subsequently, in 2005, the Batmobile passed to a new owner, Tony Badenoch, in the U.K. In 2006, the CSL was exhibited by invitation at Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance as one of only six cars obtained from collections worldwide to form Class H: “The Competition and the Show.” While with this owner, the CSL was maintained to the highest standards by U.K.-based specialists. Our vendor purchased the Batmobile at an auction in Monaco in 2010. Seven years later, the car was restored again, as evidenced by invoices on file from Classic Heroes totaling around £18,000, together with restoration photographs and a list of parts that were changed. In addition, the car comes with all the documentation supporting its unique history as a Test Car for BMW’s new M Division and association with Hans-Joachim Stuck.
(Introductory description courtesy of Bonhams Cars.)
