BMW 3.0 CSL n° 5 "Chavan" Winner 24h Spa 1976 1/43 Spark 43SPA1976

BMW 3.0 CSL n° 5 "Chavan"

Winner 24h Spa 1976

Drivers : Jean-Marie Détrin / Nico Demuth

Scale : 1/43

Manufacturer : Spark

Article ID 43SPA1976

The #5 BMW 3.0 CSL (registered as "Chavan") won the 1976 Spa 24 Hours, driven by the crew of Jean-Marie Détrin, Nico Demuth, and Belgian Pierre "Chavan" Dieudonné, and covered 4,087.90 km to secure the overall Group 2 victory.

This car, derived from the E9 "3.0 CSL" series, was prepared in racing specification (Group 2) with a ~3.2 L (3196 cm³ according to the race sheets) straight-six engine pushed to competition configuration—a powerplant typically developing around 400–450 hp depending on engine settings and developments—offering a formidable power-to-weight ratio for the time. Aesthetically and aerodynamically, the CSL featured the "Batmobile" appendages (long front beak, spoiler, and extensions) that improved high-speed stability on the fast Ardennes circuit, while the team's reliability and fueling strategy allowed it to hold its own against stiff competition from Alfa/Ford.

The victory of the No. 5 car was all the more remarkable as it came after several retirements and poor performances from teammates and favorites: the race highlighted the 3.0 CSL's robustness over 24 hours and the ability of a privateer crew to take advantage of the circuit and the changeable weather.