BMW Icons Grace 2025 Silverstone Classic: E30 M3, CSL, 2002, and Z4 GT3 Take Center Stage
The Silverstone Classic, a celebrated event in the motorsport calendar, was once again a showcase for automotive history, with BMW taking centre stage. The German marque's touring car entries from the past were the star of the show, with several iconic examples of the BMW M3 E30 Group A gracing the race tracks.
These cars, adorned with liveries from the late 1980s and early 1990s, brought back memories of BMW's glorious touring car days. Among the standouts were the white-blue FINA M3, the light red Bastos M3, and the Monte Shell painted CSL racing car. Unfortunately, the identities of the drivers behind the wheels of these historic machines remain a mystery.
The Silverstone Classic also marked the debut of the BMW Z4 GT3 as a historic racer in the Historic GT3 Series. This modern classic, with its long hood, wide stance, and naturally aspirated 4.4-liter V8, already feels like a natural fit in the world of historic racing.
The Historic GT3 Series was not the only race grid where BMW was represented. The touring car classes saw several examples of the BMW 3.0 CSL, instantly recognizable with their wide arches and tall rear wings. Fans often refer to the 3.0 CSL as the "Batmobile" due to its distinctive design.
The BMW Car Club Great Britain's display offered fans a chance to get close to cars they grew up with or still drive every day. From E30s and CSL road cars to modern M models, the club's assembly in the club paddock was an impressive testament to BMW's rich history.
The BMW 2002, with its two-liter four-cylinder engine, lightweight body, and straightforward engineering, was also on display. This car, along with the March 782 F2 car with BMW power, connected the event to drivers like Marc Surer in the late 1970s.
BMW's racing history was not limited to touring cars. The March 86G-BMW GTP participated in the Group C race, representing BMW's attempts to compete in endurance racing during the 1980s. Another crowd favorite was the Belga Team CSL, recalling the Belgian squad's European exploits.
The BMW E24 635CSi Group A Competition Coupe was also present, reminding spectators of its success in the European Touring Car Championship in the early 1980s. The once cutting-edge E92 M3 GT4 and the V8 PTG E46 M3 GT, now part of the evolving history, completed the BMW lineup at the Silverstone Classic.
A standout among the BMW entries was the 1973 Jägermeister CSL, finished in its famous orange livery. This car, along with the other BMWs on display, made it clear that BMW's racing history is as vibrant and varied as ever. From the early 1970s CSL "Batmobiles" to modern GT3 machinery, BMW's presence at the Silverstone Classic was a testament to its enduring love for motorsport.
