1974 BMW 3.5 CSL IMSA Race Car
BMW's E9-based 3.0 CSL but the manufacturer back on the racing map in the '70s. The car dominant throughout the decade in the European Touring Car Championship, but one thing BMW lacked — and was trying to build — was a following in the North American market. Privateers were contracted to race in the NA market, and as BMW was organizing a factory network there, famous executive Bob Lutz thought it was an odd strategy. So BMW setup a factory team to race in the IMSA Camel GT Championship and endurance races. In 1975, the 3.5 CSL pictured here took home first overall in the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with five of 17 races in the '75 IMSA season. The car is fitted with a period-correct 3.5-liter inline-six and wears the livery it wore for its Sebring victory. One of BMW's most important competition cars, this 3.5 CSL is a must-have for any serious racing collector.
