Italian coachbuilder Touring has created a restomod that merges modern BMW M2 engineering with the iconic silhouette of the 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL, one of motorsport's most celebrated machines. The project channels the lightweight racer that dominated touring car competitions in the 1970s while leveraging contemporary powertrains and performance technology.
The 3.0 CSL earned legendary status through racing pedigree and minimalist design philosophy. BMW's homologation special featured a 3.0-liter inline-six, producing around 200 horsepower in road trim. Track versions ran turbocharged and developed substantially more power. The original coupe became the foundation for BMW's racing heritage, winning the European Touring Car Championship and establishing the M division's competitive credibility.
Touring's interpretation respects that history while substituting the M2's modern underpinnings. The current-generation M2 carries a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six producing 503 horsepower in standard form, nearly triple the original CSL's output. The M2's dual-clutch transmission, electronic differentials, and modern suspension geometry provide handling capabilities the 1970s racer never achieved. This combination delivers period-correct aesthetics paired with contemporary performance metrics.
The restomod approach addresses a growing trend in high-end automotive customization. Wealthy enthusiasts increasingly seek vehicles that balance vintage appeal with reliability and driving engagement. Traditional restoration work often yields machines requiring constant maintenance and delivering modest performance. Coachbuilders like Touring position themselves as alternatives, offering design authenticity without the mechanical compromises of genuine period restoration.
Touring, based in Milan, specializes in bespoke automotive projects. The firm gained prominence through the Alfa Romeo 6C Competizione, a limited-production model that combined heritage design language with modern Maserati-derived engines. That success established Touring's capability in marrying historical significance with contemporary engineering, creating desirable vehicles for collectors seeking something beyond factory production.
The BMW M2 serves as ideal donor material for this transformation. The M2 already occupies a niche celebrating BMW's racing tradition, directly descending from models like the original 2002 that pioneered compact performance. The modern M2 offers affordability compared to purpose-built supercars while providing turbocharged performance and proven reliability. Using the M2 as a platform allows Touring to create a functional performance machine rather than a static styling exercise.
The 3.0 CSL restomod targets collectors unwilling to compromise on usability. Original CSL examples now command premium prices at auction, with rare variants exceeding 2 million dollars. Those examples require specialist maintenance and deliver 1970s ergonomics, safety systems, and comfort levels. Touring's approach offers comparable visual presence with air conditioning, modern infotainment, and contemporary creature comforts.
This project also reflects broader shifts in the restomod market. Companies like Singer Vehicle Design and RUF have proven demand exists for expensive, bespoke reinterpretations of classic machines. The segment skews toward ultra-luxury clientele capable of supporting six-figure and seven-figure projects. Touring's BMW initiative positions the Italian firm within this expanding ecosystem, competing against established restomod specialists.
The transformation demonstrates how automotive heritage continues influencing contemporary design and engineering decisions. Rather than historical pastiche, Touring creates functional machines that respect period aesthetics while delivering modern performance and reliability. The 3.0 CSL restomod represents a complete inversion of traditional restoration work, prioritizing future usability over archaeological authenticity.