1974 BMW 3.2 CSL 'Batmobile' up for sale in the UK

A unique example of one of the world's most iconic touring cars has come up for sale in the UK, commanding a hefty price for a road-going piece of history.

First launched in 1972, the original 3.0 CSL was dubbed the 'Batmobile' for its relatively wild aerodynamics (not previously seen on a touring car) and its strong 3.0-litre, straight-six engine – a homologation special for the Group 2 European Touring Car Championship regulations at the time

This 1974 BMW 3.2 CSL Phase 2 is number 22 of 57 made in the last 1974-75 run of production, powered by a bored-out version of the straight-six engine, now at 3.2-litres and developing 152kW and 286Nm, delivering the power to the rear wheels through a four-speed Getrag gearbox.

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As one of the last road cars, this example was factory fitted with electric windows and air-conditioning, as well as the three-support rear wing kept in the boot to get around German laws prohibiting the exterior modification.

Delivered to A.A Zayani and Sons BMW in Bahrain, the car was originally painted Chamonix white before the Royal Family requested it be resprayed to golf yellow – remaining in the colour until its restoration.

While there are just 36,000 kilometres on the odometer, the car had gone through as many as four owners before its fifth custodian found it in Bahrain, untouched for almost 30 years.

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After being imported to the UK, the restoration took two years to complete as a full nut and bolt job. The new owner brought the car back to its original Chamonix finish, as well as a refurbishment of its original 14-inch wheels, although it is sitting on 16-inch Alpina alloys in the photos.

At £449,995 (AU$832,355), it's anything but cheap, however there aren't many 50-year-old cars with such a back-story, nor do many claim to have the verification documents this Batmobile does.

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