1975 IMSA BMW CSL

Coupe Sport Leicht (CSL) is a name synonymous with BMW racecars. Of all the BMW CSLs, none was as outrageous as the 1975 IMSA contender featured here. With an aerodynamic package developed at Stuttgart University, its large rear wing, front spoiler and wide, flared wheel arches earned it the nickname of “The Batmobile!” Finished off with a dazzling factory colors paint scheme, it has to be counted among the most visually exciting racecars ever made. It was also very successful, winning seven IMSA races outright in 1975. BMW raced several cars in 1975 with remarkable success, but lost IMSA’s Camel GT Challenge trophy by only a few points to Brumos Racing’s Porsche RSR. However, the season helped establish the BMW as competitive, and the CSL was improved even further for the following season. From 1975 onward, BMW’s Batmobiles won five consecutive European Touring Car championships.

This artwork by Frederic Dams is available as a limited edition print for £35 from www.historiccarart.net.