BMW 3.5 CSL »White«. An automobile that inspired famous artists. In 1975, BMW attracted many artists who created an extraordinary art series, the BMW Art Cars. Among the artists were legendary painters like Roy Lichtenstein, Salvatore Dali and Andy Warhol. Alexander Calder’s painted 3.0 CSL Coupe was even shown in the Louvre. Andy Warhol admitted: "I love the BMW. The car is better than the work of art."
But it was not only famous artists who were inspired by this model. In the early 70s, the CSL competition cars were driven by major names like Jacky Ickx, Nicki Lauda, Derek Bell, Ronnie Peterson and Brian Redman on race courses around the world. One of the most prominent and fastest drivers in this group was Hans-Joachim Stuck.
The experience gained in motor sports showed the Bertone-styled aerodynamics of the 2000 CS needed to be improved. So a complete set of aerodynamic improvements were developed in the wind tunnel. But different body concepts were not limited to these developments. In addition, the car was put on a diet, leading to the addition of the "L" in the type designation signifying lightweight construction. The optimized CSL coupe weighed 300 kg less than the original series version.
Technical Data:
BMW 3.0 CSL (Calders)
Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
24 Valves
Dual overhead camshafts
3210cc displacement
480 horsepower
Top speed: 291 km/h
BMW 3.0 CSL (Stellas)
Turbocharged Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
24 Valves
Dual overhead camshafts
3210cc displacement
750 horsepower
Top speed: 341 km/h
The highly detailed 1:87 scale model with its delicate rear spoilers brings the seventies to life again. This is a replica which is in no way inferior to the prototype. Even in the interior each important detail, like the roll bar and single sport seat, is visible through the windows. The love of detail is carried over to the exquisite chrome-plated wheels, which compete with the chromed radiator grille in their brilliance. The enormous side skirts and wide tires add the final sporting note to the model and make it a part of a valuable collector’s series. |
