BMW CSL Hommage R
In August every year car enthusiasts from all over the world gather for the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach to immerse themselves in automotive treasures from years gone by and pioneering studies for times to come. Last year BMW arrived with the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R – a car that celebrated both the 40th anniversary of BMW in North America and the heady racing success of the BMW 3.0 CSL in 1975.
1975 was the year the Bavarian manufacturer founded BMW of North America, its first official sales company outside Europe. It was also the year in which BMW Motorsport made its debut in motor racing stateside by entering the IMSA series with a specially made BMW 3.0 CSL. Just a few weeks later BMW recorded its first, historic triumph at the 12 Hours of Sebring. This was followed by a succession of victories, including one at Laguna Seca, just 15 miles from Pebble Beach. BMW’s rookie year duly culminated in the white BMW 3.0 CSL, decked out in eye-catching BMW Motorsport livery, winning the manufacturers’ championship at the first attempt. This success, coupled with the car’s striking design and the 'Bavarian Motor Works' legend emblazoned across the sun protection film on the windscreen and rear window, announced the BMW brand’s arrival in racing-mad North America with a bang.