Vehicle Description
The Atlanta Showroom is offering this 1976 BMW 2002. If ever there
was an automotive trendsetter, BMW's 2002 was it. This is the car
that literally spawned the soon-to-be-popular Sport GT category
and, in the end, was the main reason why the Bavarian Motor Werks
became the successful car company that it is today. Struggling for
survival as a manufacturer of both large, luxurious cars and the
motorcycle-engined 600 and 700 series, BMW was literally put on the
world map by the compact 2002 BMW as it became the hit seller that
the company had long dreamed of creating. It was a car that crossed
several markets, attracting buyers who really wanted a sports car
but for practical reasons--be they family needs, cold weather
driving or parking on city streets--were forced to buy a small
sedan instead. The 2002 offered buyers both types of cars in a
single, stylish package. And what a car it turned out to be.
Lovingly referred to by its loyal following as an 02, from the time
it was introduced in 1968, to its last iteration as a 1976 model
when it was replaced by the more modern 320i. It's been thirty
years since the last 2002 rolled off the assembly line, yet the
cars are just as popular today as they were back then. But unlike
highly sought after old cars that collectors want to buy for
investment purposes, the 02 is more of a cult car--perhaps the
ultimate cult car at that--which serious performance car
enthusiasts the world over seek to buy strictly for driving
enjoyment. These are cars that were built to be driven, and driven
hard. Their four-wheel independent suspensions, coupled with the
car's overall low-center of gravity, short wheelbase and
unsurpassed all-around visibility, provide fantastic handling
characteristics, which are so reassuring at speed that it will
bring out the Andretti in all of us. Although the 2002 was in
production for nine years, it remained virtually the same
throughout its production run. Its major change was an aesthetic
one, when the 1974-'76 models were fitted with rear rectangular
taillamps and larger, energy-absorbing bumpers. These models also
had an imitation woodgrain instrument panel and a smaller,
four-spoke steering wheel. If you are seeking an affordable
collector car that doesn't need constant care and attention, and
can be used as a daily driver throughout the year, then the 2002
just may be the ideal old car you've been searching for. Since all
the bugs were worked out by the time the final 1976 models were
produced, these are, without question, the best-built 2002s of them
all. The rarely seen Turbo, Cabriolet, Targa and Touring models,
all of which rate high on 02 enthusiasts' wish lists, were not
officially imported here, so finding one will be very difficult.
Options include: Lumbar support, wipers, horn, AM/FM radio, seat
belts, rally wheels, radial tires, and leather interior. To view
the car in greater detail, including 100+ HD photos and HD video,
please visit www.gatewayclassiccars.com. For more information
please call the Atlanta showroom at 678-894-4833.
