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Recreating and preparing a historic racing car such as the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL Group 2 is far more than a standard restoration job. The objective is not only to bring a classic car back to life, but to recreate a race machine exactly as it would have been prepared in the golden era of touring car racing.
Let's take you trough one of our builds.
The starting point for this project is an original BMW E9 body from the early 1970s. Decades of use and exposure to the elements inevitably take their toll on a steel structure.
The BMW CS is rightly praised for its exceptionally elegant appearance and refined lines. Unfortunately, the build quality of the BMW E9 body was less than stellar at the time.
The logical consequence is that none of the surviving examples escape deep-seated and destructive corrosion.
We know from experience that even the most beautiful examples, which appear virtually pristine on the outside, present a much less appealing picture on the inside.
Structural strength and rigidity of the body are key elements in restoring a car, and especially in building a race car. Therefore, the first step in the process is to completely strip the body back to its purest form.
Every layer of paint and filler from previous repairs is completely removed until only the bare steel structure of the body remains. This process reveals the true condition of the car and allows us to carefully assess its structure.
At this stage, all imperfections become visible: corrosion in typical areas, stress cracks, weakened panels, and the inevitable patchwork repairs from the past.
Each of these areas is meticulously addressed and rebuilt with new sheet metal using traditional metalworking techniques. Rusted areas are completely removed and replaced with new, correctly shaped steel panels, fully restoring the body's integrity.
This process reveals the true condition of the car and allows the team to carefully assess the structure.Lieven Demets , workshop manager
A very intense phase now begins, during which all sheet metal affected by rust is carefully removed. New sheet metal parts are manufactured and welded in. Once the basic structure has been restored to perfect condition, the transformation of the standard coupe body into a Group 2 racing chassis begins.
This phase is carried out strictly according to historical race preparation methods and in accordance with the applicable FIA regulations for historic touring cars. The goal is not only performance but also authenticity – replicating the technical philosophy of the original racing cars.
During this phase, various structural modifications are carried out:
Reinforcement of the front section and the engine bay to absorb the increased loads during high-speed races.
Relocation and reinforcement of the rear suspension mounting points, an essential modification from the homologation of that era.
Strategic welding on key parts of the chassis to increase torsional rigidity. Integration of a fully welded roll cage, designed for both safety and structural rigidity.
The result is a body that is significantly stronger and stiffer than the original road-legal body, while remaining compliant with the historic Group 2 specifications.
Weight reduction played a crucial role in the success of the original BMW CSL (Coupé Sport Leichtbau) racing cars. Staying true to this philosophy, several body components of the Group 2 racecar are made from lightweight GRP (Glassfiber Reinforced Plastics).
This phase gives the car its unmistakable racing identity.
Wide fender extensions are carefully fitted to accommodate the significantly tracks with racing wheels and tyres used in touring car competition. These fenders define the aggressive stance that made the CSL such an icon on the track.
Both in front and rear, distinctive Group 2 spoilers are installed. These aerodynamic elements were an important development in period racing, improving high-speed stability while visually reinforcing the car’s racing pedigree.
Each component is fitted, adjusted and aligned with precision to ensure both functional performance and perfect visual symmetry.
We aim to always deliver a flawless result. Not only is the bodywork treated and sanded multiple times until not a single irregularity remains, we also ensure the same level of finish on the underside and the interior. All seams are carefully sealed and finished for a perfect result.
From a bare steel shell to a fully prepared BMW 3.0 CSL Group 2 race car, the restoration process represents hundreds of hours of craftsmanship, engineering precision and passion for motorsport history.
After months of structural work, fabrication and preparation, the body shell finally enters the paint phase.
The entire car is prepared and finished in the historic Luigi Castrol racing livery, faithfully recreating the colours and appearance that these machines carried during their racing careers in the 1970s.
What you see is not a black car receiving multi-colour vinyl striping. This car went to the paint shop five times. First the black base colour, than green, than white and finally red. After the sponsor logo's have been added, the car once more goes in the paint booth, for a full layer of clearcoat, giving it an unparalleled view.
Every detail matters: colour tones, striping proportions and sponsor placement are reproduced with absolute accuracy to preserve the historical identity of the car.
Once completed, the result is far more than a restored vehicle. It is a carefully reconstructed historic race car, built according to the techniques, regulations and spirit of its era.
From a bare steel shell to a fully prepared BMW 3.0 CSL Group 2 race car, the restoration process represents hundreds of hours of craftsmanship, engineering precision and passion for motorsport history.