1973 FIA BMW "CSL Batmobile" 3.5-litre

To be offered by Iconic Auctioneers on Saturday 18th May at Sywell Aerodrome. 

Guide Price: £160,000 - £180,000

This particular car was converted from a 3.0 CS (E9) road car in the late 1980s by saloon racer, the late Tim Busby, and accumulated many excellent race results over the following 35 years on race tracks all over the world. In 2004, it was sold to Iconic Auctioneers owner, Nick Whale, and co-owned by Nick's best mate, Ian Guest. The pair campaigned the car in Patrick Peter's Classic Endurance Racing series 'CER' throughout Europe, including twice at Classic Le Mans in 2004 and 2006 where it won its 'Plateau' on both occasions. It also won the coveted Index of Performance award at the 2006 Classic Le Mans, as well as further class wins at Monza, Silverstone and Spa.

It was then sold to Alan Tice who successfully campaigned the car for two or three seasons in the Masters Series, before changing hands again in 2013 to rock legend, Jason Kay of Jamiroquai. During Jay's ownership, a lot of money was invested in the car's mechanicals and Jay enjoyed a track day at Silverstone during his ownership.

In 2017, Jason asked Iconic Auctioneers to auction the Batmobile at the Race Retro auction, when it was purchased by the current owner who then entrusted marque specialists, Laranca Engineering, with preparing the car for a return to the European racing scene. Six figures-plus were invested with Laranca going through the car fully to bring it up to the more strenuous modern standards of historic motorsport. FIA papers were then issued (GB11382) and remain valid until 31st December 2027.

Under current ownership, the 'Batmobile' has raced successfully in various Peter Auto events across Europe. The car was invited to a recent Le Mans Classic but sadly our vendor couldn’t attend as he now lives in South America, which is the reason for a reluctant sale.

The last mechanical refresh came in early 2021, but the car has not been raced since so the 'Batmobile' is now available for it’s next lucky owner.  Offering access into some of the best Historic Motorsport in the world, including the legendary Le Mans Classic, this fabulous race car is being offered at a seriously tempting guide price when you consider what it would cost to replicate, the asking price for similar cars and its proven 35 years-plus race record.

Please get in touch with Harry Whale to find out more technical information about the car, including dyno sheet etc.