A variation of the 1971 3.0 CS and 3.0 CSi, the 3.0 CSL was specially approved for competition and made its debut in 1972. Destined primarily for the European Touring Cars Championship, it became one of the top competitors as early as 1973, winning not only the European title, but also a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the hands of Dieter Quester and Toine Hezemans, 11th overall. It was to be the best result achieved at Le Mans by the 3.0 CSL, which also won at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps twice (1973 and 1976).

In 1975, French auctioneer and gentleman-driver Hervé Poulain was at the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of a 3.0 CSL decorated by American-Francophile sculptor and painter Alexander Calder (1898-1976) who lived in Paris from 1926 to 1933. Though the Porsche 917 L - described as "psychedelic" - of Gérard Larrousse-Willi Kauhsen, second at the 1970 24 Hours, can be considered as the first "Art Car" in the history of Le Mans, with the 3.0 CSL, BMW and Poulain truly launched a lineage that would continue with other models from the Bavarian manufacturer and artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons.

For 40 years, "Art Cars" have come in many variations, both in GT and in prototypes, but the BMW 3.0 CSL will remain one of the greatest inspirations...even though Poulain and his teammates Sam Posey and Jean Guichet were forced to retire in 1975.

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO

Photo:  LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SATURDAY & SUNDAY JUNE 14-15 1975. Along with Hervé Poulain and Sam Posey at the wheel of the 3.0 CSL, the first BMW "Art Car," figured Jean Guichet, winner at the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans with Ferrari.