The BMW That Conquered Daytona Returns to Lime Rock – Only at HF43
Chassis #2275986 is one of the most celebrated of only 21 works-prepared BMW E9 CSLs built by BMW Motorsport for international competition. At first glance, it might look like just another exquisite vintage race car, but its story is truly epic.
Powered by the rare 3.5-liter M49/Stage 3 engine in upright configuration—complete with dry-sump lubrication, 24 valves, and dual overhead cams—this CSL produced an astonishing 470 horsepower in 1975. That kind of power made it a force to behold, especially given its modest chassis origins.
Under the Peter Gregg Racing banner, the car claimed outright victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1976—a first for BMW AG—run by legendary drivers Brian Redman, Peter Gregg, and John Fitzpatrick. But that was far from its only triumph. Ahead of Daytona ’76, this CSL dominated IMSA competition in 1975, sweeping to first-place finishes at Laguna Seca, Riverside (6 Hours), the Paul Revere 250, and Talladega—then repeated dominance at Talladega in 1976. Between 1977 and 1979, it continued to roar with wins under Kenper Miller, Paul Miller, Oscar Koveleski, and David Cowart.
The CSL’s driver lineup reads like a who’s who of motorsport greatness: Hans Stuck Jr., Dieter Quester, Brian Redman, Peter Gregg, Hurley Haywood, John Fitzpatrick, Kenper Miller, Paul Miller, Oscar Koveleski, and David Cowart. That racing pedigree and depth of success made it a legend that lives on in trophies and hearts.
But how did it fare at Lime Rock Park? Though not famous for outright wins there—this car crashed out of the 1976 Lime Rock 100 after qualifying second—it still made its mark. This car was built with Lime Rock’s twisty layout in mind. According to CSL enthusiasts, its body featured a wide-track configuration, specifically engineered for tighter circuits like Lime Rock. Rear fenders could be swapped quickly using Dzus fasteners, making it as adjustable as it was powerful. There is even a celebrated works poster advertising a 3.5 CSL driven by Hans Stuck at Lime Rock on May 26, 1975. Though the car didn’t win its Lime Rock outing, it was clearly built to excel there.
Lime Rock rivalries and triumphs echoed across the Northeast during the glory days of IMSA and Trans Am. It was here that the car revealed its adaptability, transitioning from high-speed superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega to shorter, more technical circuits, including Riverside and Lime Rock. Its wide-body setup for technical tracks speaks volumes about its versatility and engineering excellence.
Today, chassis #2275986 resides in the personal collection of Kevin and Carolyn Ladd of Smithfield, Maine. A private treasure since 2004, its provenance stands unmatched. It represents not just BMW’s first IMSA victory at Daytona, but also a car agile enough to tackle Lime Rock’s relentless bends.
At this year’s Historic Festival, fans will have the opportunity to marvel at the sculpted flanks, recall the engine’s feral roar, and tip their helmets to its lineage of icons—Gregg, Fitzpatrick, Haywood, and Redman. At Laguna Seca, it was sublime; on IMSA’s demanding circuits it was dominant; at Daytona, it crossed the ultimate finish line first; and at Lime Rock, it proved its mettle in the twisty crucible.
Lime Rock rivalries and triumphs echoed across the Northeast during the glory days of IMSA and Trans Am. It was here that the car revealed its adaptability, transitioning from high-speed superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega to shorter, more technical circuits, including Riverside and Lime Rock. Its wide-body setup for technical tracks speaks volumes about its versatility and engineering excellence.
Today, chassis #2275986 resides in the personal collection of Kevin and Carolyn Ladd of Smithfield, Maine. A private treasure since 2004, its provenance stands unmatched. It represents not just BMW’s first IMSA victory at Daytona, but also a car agile enough to tackle Lime Rock’s relentless bends.
At this year’s Historic Festival, fans will have the opportunity to marvel at the sculpted flanks, recall the engine’s feral roar, and tip their helmets to its lineage of icons—Gregg, Fitzpatrick, Haywood, and Redman. At Laguna Seca, it was sublime; on IMSA’s demanding circuits it was dominant; at Daytona, it crossed the ultimate finish line first; and at Lime Rock, it proved its mettle in the twisty crucible.