As you can see from the picture, this is a true “barn find” (or at least “garage find”) that has been stored for over twenty years. This 1976 BMW 2002 was said to have been parked after a light front end collision. Found for sale here on Craigslist in Bethany, Connecticut for the nominal price of $1,500. As you will see, there is quite a bit of rust repair ahead for the new owner, but for a starting price of $1,500, it’s hard to pass up a project like this.
The ad states the car was parked due to a light front end collision. As you can see, there is some damage to the grill, headlight, and front fender. There are a few dings on the hood also, but the bumper seems to be okay. Perhaps the collision was with a truck or taller vehicle that prevented the bumper from doing its job. There are no pictures of the engine or engine bay in the ad, which is a bit odd considering there are quite a few other detailed pictures. The ad does state the car is not running. Based on the photos of the front end damage, it’s hard to imagine major engine or cooling system damage from the impact, but there may be. There is no way to tell without pictures. The hoods on these cars open forward from the rear, so I wouldn’t imagine a slight front end impact will prevent the hood from opening.
Depending on the condition of the engine, rust repair may be the most costly and time consuming part of this project. There are numerous spots of rust including the rockers, fenders and doors. Along with the rusty panels, the ad states the wheels are locked up also. Probably a matter of rusty brakes and/or axles.
The interior may be the best part of this project with the front seats and dash looking very good. The rear seat and package tray need a bit of work, but certainly there is a lot here to work with. There is also a period aftermarket sunroof installed. No word on whether it leaks or not. If it doesn’t I’d be surprised. However, with the condition of the interior looking okay, it may not be a leaker. This car is certainly a bargain and will surely entice a new owner to purchase it. But, it will be a big project to return it to its former glory.
The rust looks really bad on this one. Probably not worth saving (certainly wouldn’t make economic sense). I would say this would make an excellent parts car.
Unless…since it’s a ’76, I’d check the VIN to see if it might be the very last 2002 off the line. A remote possibility to be sure, but if that were the case, then you might have something.
There once was a bimmer in Bethany
Whose owner had an epiphany
He said what the hell
And listed on CL
There may be someone with deeper pockets than me!
For the record, if it matters (probably not), I like 2002’s
Nope, even with a starting price of only $1,500, it is not at all hard for me to pass this one up.
uhm… nope.. makes me wonder if it was totaled when the accident happened, guy bought it back from the ins. co. and there it sits not familiar with it’s collectability, my guess none, or next to none a purist might want it.. but, not me
Parts car.
I would write a check to Bernie Madoff’s newest hedge fund idea before I sunk any cash into this crusher candidate.
It’s an $800.00 car to begin with and with easy access to parts might be a nice driver provided all else is together in it.
What a mess
Like the 911 too far gone and not worth a drive from Brooklyn to Connecticut.
Hell as I write this a big blizzard is heading my way…
a lot of hidden rust, needs a front panel and they are hard to find, the glass sunroof needs to go, and the front of the hood is bent down, may repair but probably also rusty in the inner frame, a bit too much work for a late square light car, now if it was a round light Tii, maybe………….