The BMW 2002 is known far and wide as one of the most accessible hobby cars for enthusiast of all ages. If you’re looking for a vintage vehicle that you can drive in (relative) comfort to events or build into a full-on track car, the BMW 2002 checks both boxes. Interestingly, the car shown here appears to be well on its way to becoming a bit of a track build, but the seller admits he’s not going to finish his project due to a loss of garage space. The paint sure looks like and it has some new parts thrown at it, but the seller confirms it’s still a bit of a project. Find it here on craigslist for $8,000.

If you’re familiar with this model, you already know that round taillights are better than square taillights, but I’m not sure how much that matters anymore. Frankly, the bumpers are a bigger deal to me, as the slim, European-style bumpers have far more of an impact visually than the taillights do. This 2002 doesn’t have any bumpers at all, which is also a very cool look but likely not legal in most communities. The BMW also sits on some aftermarket wheels which look oddly Japanese in their design. If this were my project, I’d ditch the rims immediately and find something more period-correct.

Oh, dear. These are some generic aftermarket seats, and they look like they belong – like the wheels – on a late model import. Still, this seems like the kind of build where someone just wanted to get some seats and wheels installed and these worked, so who cares? Honestly, I get it, but this car will sell like a project because purists will inevitably turn their noses up at it. But if you have checked out prices of genuine Recaros and BBS wheels lately, none of those parts are cheap, so you really have to be committed to a project to justify throwing those pricey bits in.

The seller doesn’t say much about the engine, but based on the radiator and the cap, there are some new parts installed. It also looks like someone went a little nuts with the spray gun, as the valve cover, hoses, and cowl are all coated in red paint. This is a 2002 that warrants an in-person inspection, as the seller goes back-and-forth saying it’s in “Excellent” condition and that he bought it “….to restore.” Regardless, if it’s as nearly rust-free as he promises, the $8,000 asking price seems more than fair. Would you take on a project like this or wait for one of the treasured round light cars?