Every Time I See This BMW 3.0 CSL, I’m Compelled To Stare

As a Creative Designer for Jaguar, I love spending time at classic car events, and the UK is probably the best place to do so. I saw this car, a Jägermeister-liveried BMW 3.0 CSL, for the first time a year ago a Silverstone Classic 2015 on the track. With its strong color livery, how could I miss it?

This example was racing with other touring cars, but when I went to visit the different paddocks I could not find it in the flesh.

The second time was at the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed when I saw it doing the hill climb. It had such a strong attitude on the road, with its nose pointing forward to break the air, a sense of speed made possible thanks to its chrome belt line, going from the rear spoiler all along the side, passing the front up to the other side of the car.

Then one of the best things to do at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is to go into the paddock and meet the cars that you saw hillclimbing. This CSL was there, and very orange, the sun was reflecting on the front of the bonnet. I had the time to have a deep look at her, the so-called “Batmobile”. The front of the car is so strong and iconic, with its horizontal layout, the original kidneys of BMW, and, for racing, these four crossed headlights.

A few days ago, I attended the Silverstone Classic, and I had the chance to meet it again. The car was parked outside, waiting for attention; we spent 10-15 minutes together and I was able to get some detailed photos.

From a design perspective, the BMW 3.0 CSL is beautiful, and it’s each detail that makes it a timeless car. In its racing form, especially here, the Jägermeister stickers and color combination are unforgettable.

For me, one of the best areas of the car is where the Alpina badge sits right next to the Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar. The bronze wheels with a lot of dish accentuate match perfectly with the colour of the car, and of course it sits on Avon slick tyres.

I hope we’ll meet again, no doubt with more to discover about this car. What’s your favorite aspect of the 3.0 CSL’s design?