BMW Group Classis is a YouTube series where the good people from BMW Classic acquaint us with some of the brand’s most iconic models. As most BMW enthusiasts would point out, there were plenty of epic BMW cars made throughout the brand’s history. Today Benny and Mark are on screen so they can talk about one of the most iconic cars ever made – the BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile.

Benny introduces Mark, who also works at BMW Classic and is a true motorsport enthusiast. What better due of presenters to talk about the first “from A to Z developed racecar from BMW motorsport, back in 1973” – Mark explains, while sitting in front of two examples – a racecar and a streetcar – of the BMW 3.0 CSL.

Mark explains what each of them stands for while clearing out a myth that the red color actually comes from Texaco, which was supposed to be BMW’s sponsor.

Benny points out that the engine of the car is one of the reasons for its success. Upon revealing the engine bay, we see the engine has been taken out for restoration. The presenters also point out that this isn’t an original “Batmobile” but a replica they built in 2015 to showcase while the original is being preserved. A subtle hint at that is the tow-hook at the front, which the original car doesn’t have. “You won’t recognize it when it passes you with over 200 kph on the racetrack” – Benny says.

Going to the streetcar, the presenters share another reason, why the 3.0 CSL is so significant. Those would be the double lights, also known as the “four-eyed face”, “the famous sickle line on the sie of the car”, “the famous Hoffmeister kink” at the C-pillar, as well as the general coupe silhouette of the car.

Throughout the production of the 1,000 cars, there were three evolution steps. At first, the car was powered by a 3.0-liter carbureted version of the inline-six, producing 180 horsepower, which later became 200 horsepower thanks to fuel injection. The last and rarest version of the CSL had a 3.2-liter version of the same engine, producing 206 horsepower.

Mark carries on about the rare big wing at the back, which was installed on 110 cars only.

The “Statterpaket” (City package) was an option you could order, back in the day. Essentially, this makes the BMW E9 more luxurious and heavier, which according to Mark is pointless, given the purpose of the car. Nevertheless, a few people had ordered it.

Regardless, this is why the BMW 3.0 CSL is considered one of the most significant cars of the brand. On top of that, its racing prowess and timeless aesthetics have made it one of the most saught-after classic BMWs out there.