1973 BMW E9 3.0 CSL Group 2

The 1973 BMW E9 3.0 CSL Group 2 is one of the most iconic race cars in BMW’s motorsport history. Developed as a homologation special to compete in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC), the 3.0 CSL (Coupé Sport Leichtbau, or “Coupe Sport Lightweight”) was an evolution of the already successful E9 platform. With the Group 2 regulations allowing for significant modifications to production-based vehicles, the 3.0 CSL was transformed into a powerful and agile machine that dominated touring car racing in the early 1970s and became a legendary figure in motorsport. 

The 3.0 CSL was designed as a lightweight version of the standard 3.0 CS, with extensive use of aluminum in the doors, hood, and trunk lid, along with thinner steel for the bodywork and stripped-down interiors to reduce weight. The Group 2 racing version went even further in optimizing the car for performance. The 3.0-liter inline-six engine, derived from the road-going model, was heavily modified to produce around 340 horsepower in race trim, a significant increase from the 200 horsepower of the road version. This was achieved through the use of larger valves, higher compression, and mechanical fuel injection, along with other internal modifications to handle the stresses of racing. 

The CSL’s chassis was also upgraded to handle the increased power and improve cornering ability. A race-tuned suspension system, featuring stiffer springs, adjustable dampers, and reinforced components, provided exceptional handling, especially in the tight, technical corners of touring car circuits. The braking system was improved with larger, ventilated discs, and wider wheels and tires were fitted for better grip and control.