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The Restoration of an Icon: Ron Perry's BMW E9 CSL

The history of the New Class BMWs was told over and over again, but amongst the legendary cars this Series spawned, you'll easily spot one model that stands out: the 3.0 CSL.
BMW E9 CSL 15 photos
Photo: stanceworks.com
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The 70s were troublesome times for BMW, especially since they really wanted to dominate the Motorsport world. Since the E3 Sedan was already a success, the New Class received yet another model, this time a Coupe, the E9.

As the M division got involved in the project, the E9 evolved. Initially, the cars were fitted with 2.8-liter engine that had 170 HP coming out thanks to carbonation. However, that wasn't enough for proper motorsport performances.

That's how the 3.0 CS model came to life. It had either a 3-liter engine developing 180 HP or one that took the power levels up to 200 HP and was dubbed the CSi, having fuel injected into the cylinders.

Wanting to dominate the race tracks, BMW came up with the 3.0 CSL, the extra L at the end standing for 'Light'. Alongside various weight reduction changes, the new car received a body kit that completely changed its looks, bringing it the "Batmobile" nickname.

Ron Perry is one of the guys that collects and restores such cars. Out of the 110 units produced, to this day less than 40 are still around and none of them looks as good as this one.

The amount of work done to the car covers almost everything, from the interior to the undercarriages, just so that it becomes an original CSL. Even the wheels have been redone in traditional Alpina style.

The photo gallery below is just a small tribute to a car that is as much a BMW tribute as the 328 and the M1 supercar, truly beautiful cars that deserve our outmost attention.

Via: Stance Works
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