BMW 2002
True, at Paul Stephens we are best known for classic Porsches, but that doesn’t mean to say that we are blinkered to other classics that take our fancy, particularly if they align with our policy of offering only the best, like this really rather wonderful BMW 2002.
Launched in 1968, the 2002 is the car that really put BMW on the map. Not only that, but it was also the proto compact sports saloon, with even the humblest 2002 offering 100bhp from its 2-litre, OHC engine. Like Porsche, BMW was an early adopter of fuel injection, the range topping 2002 tii using Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection for a very healthy – for 1972 – 130bhp. And of course BMW’s desire to take the 2002 racing, saw the homologation of the 170bhp 2002 Turbo in 1974, although the fuel crisis of the day, did rather kill the Turbo off prematurely.
Fun engine fact? The designated M10 unit, formed the basis of BMW’s mighty four-cylinder F1 Turbo engine in the 1980s, the standard production block being man enough to cope with 1500bhp in qualifying trim!
Sands Of Time
But we digress. This subtle 1975 Sahara Beige 2002 is from the 2002’s last year of production. Sure it’s a 113bhp carburetted base model, but that makes it no less desirable in our opinion, particularly running on BMW multi-spoke alloys and shod with period correct Pirelli CN36 tyres.
In fact everything about this car is absolutely as it should be and rather helped by its time warp 25,000-mile status.
Supplied new in Sept 1975, by Jacksons BMW, Guernsey, this 2002 retains all its original paperwork and documentation, including BMW Owner’s handbook and BMW Service manual, and certificate of manufacture, enclosed in characteristic blue BMW folder. The history file is deep dive comprehensive, and points to life of BMW enthusiast ownership, including hand written accounts of work carried out and BMW Car Club participation.
In total this 2002 has had five owners. It crossed to the UK mainland in 1986, with 17,211-miles on the clock. The original Exchange & Mart advert is enclosed, now almost parchment like with age! It has clearly been used sparingly since.
Aside from regular servicing, all work has been carried out by marque specialists over the years, most notably by classic BMW gurus, Jaymic. A light restoration and full re-commission was also implemented by JD Classics in 2016, including seat refurb using the correct BMW Sandbeige herringbone cord fabric.
From the outside, this 2002 is both subtle and purposeful. If you’re detecting an element of ‘stance’ then you’d be right, thanks to Bilstein dampers and lowered Eibach springs.
The interior mirrors that of the exterior, with immaculate trim, fixtures and fittings. The original Blaupunkt ‘Autoradio’ Hamburg unit is in place and only a period correct, but complimentary, Momo Prototipo steering wheel deviates from standard.
And talking of non-standard, the only significant deviation from its factory spec is the addition of a five-speed gearbox, an option from new, and very desirable for any long-distance motorway work.
On The Road
Just a joy and a great reminder of simpler motoring pleasures, and just how far ahead of the pack BMW was. In 1968, let alone 1975, the 2002 must have felt very modern indeed. Put it this way, when BMW unleased the 2002, BL was still to sign off the Marina! Even in the here and now it loses very little to contemporary machinery, from a performance point of view, and in terms of size and visibility, it’s a reminder of what we’ve lost.
In Conclusion
‘The Ultimate Driving Machine?’ BMW had yet to come up with that slogan in 1975, but on this evidence, it was certainly heading in the right direction! A rare opportunity to purchase a time-warp example of game-changing, sporting saloon. Be quick, we say.
