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Updated Classic! 1971 BMW 2002

Fed up with modern cars that perform well while numbing the driving experience with technology, sound-deadening, and other distractions? This shiny orange two-door sedan promises to reconnect you (or connect you for the first time) with the visceral thrills of high-performance driving. The 1971 BMW 2002 in Newbury Park, California wears the popular Colorado orange color, Panasport-style wheels, and other newer parts. The listing here on eBay describes a running engine and functional “lights and gauges,” but no mention of how it drives. At least five bidders have elevated the market value of the iconic “’02” beyond $19,000 with fewer than two days left in the auction.

Flo-fit seats bring a perhaps-unwelcome ’90s vibe to the ’70s interior. Purists may also decry the speakers sprouting from the door panel like mushrooms. Some may say the RPM-loving inline four-cylinder engine produces all the music necessary in a classic BMW. If you don’t know what I mean, or even if you do, enjoy the symphony of this BMW 2002 lapping Germany’s storied Nurburgring. Go ahead; I’ll wait. While described as having a five-speed manual transmission, this BMW almost certainly left the factory with a four-speed gearbox. A close-ratio (no overdrive) “dog leg” five-speed would be prized by collectors, while a later BMW 3-series overdrive five-speed makes a popular adaptation. While a stock 2002 comes fully capable of sustained autobahn-style cruising at 4000+ RPM, overdrive brings a more modern highway cruising experience in the sub-3000 RPM range.

Twin Weber carburetors came in the 1980s, according to the seller, along with a replacement engine block meeting the upper-level “tii” model’s specifications. MSD igntion and a lithium-ion battery mark other visibly obvious deviations from stock. The M10 inline four made 111 HP stock, and gladly explores the upper RPM range. The 2002 only weighs about a ton, and few cars deliver more Smiles Per Gallon.

The Colorado paint looks great and well-applied. The “2002 tii” badging is merely a case of high-school style “optimism” to borrow the seller’s vernacular. Oversized wheels and tires should exceed the stock grip, which the chassis and suspension can easily leverage. I’m currently restoring a Colorado-colored ’72 tii, and mine is a long way from looking this good. I first drove one some 30 years ago and immediately recognized the brilliant blend of ride and handling that still typifies BMW today. A host of modern cars can out-accelerate a typical 2002, but few cars will put a smile on your face as readily. If you think your daily driver is somehow a little “meh,” despite being quick and sure-footed, do yourself a favor and put your butt in one of these. You will not regret it. Would you explore a car’s limits without ABS and traction control?

Comments

  1. Avatar Scotty Gilbertson Staff

    Great write-up, Todd! I hope you’re documenting the restoration of your tii for an update in a year or so, or whenever it’s ready for the show circuit.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Todd Fitch Staff

      Thanks Scotty. “or so” being the key phrase there. I certainly will!

      Like 4
  2. Avatar Terrry

    May be one of the most perfect cars ever made. Oh, has BMW ever lost its way since.

    Like 12
  3. Avatar Gerard Frederick

    One of my favorite BMW´s, the other being the 700 convertible and the 1600 GT, also known as the Glas-BMW. They lost their way needing of either following the general trend of car designs, or being left out in the cold. I´m just glad they didn´t kowtow to the blm insanity like Mercedes did – and still disgracefully does.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar Gary

    Beautiful little car

    Like 4
  5. Avatar douglas hunt

    Looks like a fun car

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Armstrongpsyd

    I have to chime in. The write ups on BF are the reason I’m a member. They are always a bit cheeky and humbly erudite. I drive a 1975 02, the model with bumpers that can bump and tail lights you can see at night ;) It never fails to make me feel good about driving. There are lots of fun upgrades, 5 Speed gear box, Bilstein suspension, wheels & tires, and they all make a little difference, but any 02 is a blast to drive on twisty mountain roads and a joy to escape in for a weekend away.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar Leslie Martin Member

    Sold for a very reasonable 20.5k. Another nice CA roundie in a desirable color with minimal rust and this time with a sunroof. Devoid of the ugly US spec side markers and with euro style turn signals, the exterior needs nothing. If I bought it, I’d fix and recover the Recaros, sell the dashboard (for $1k easy) and replace the door cards. Then I’d drive the wheels off it, which you can easily do with a 5 speed 2002 with Webers. Whoever bought this got a great little cruiser and a fun car to take to Cars & Coffee events!

    Like 2
  8. Avatar JMB#7

    “no longer available”. Any idea what it sold for? Fantastic little cars.

    Like 0

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