Vehicle Description
BMW's post-war recovery was somewhat rocky, and by the mid-1950s,
their product line was a disjointed mix of luxurious but dated
sedans, the luscious but money-losing 507 sports car, and the tiny
single-cylinder Isetta microcar. BMW had new models such as the 700
and 1500 on the drawing board but lacked the funds to develop them.
Daimler-Benz approached the board with a takeover proposal, which
came perilously close to approval, and if not for the influential
board member Herbert Quandt having a change of heart before the
vote, the deal would have surely gone through. Quandt considered
the interest of the workers in the assembly plants and decided it
was worth the financial risk to save BMW. Once in control of the
company, he began investing heavily in the product line, first
introducing the new two-cylinder 700 coupe and 700 LS sedan. The
700 was a critical bridge from the Isetta to a line of larger, more
modern family sedans and it put BMW on more stable financial
footing. Next to get the green light was the 1500 "Neue Klasse,"
which is arguably the single most important model in BMW's 100-plus
year history.The Neue Klasse was designed from the ground-up to
sustain BMW for many years, and it succeeded in transforming the
company's fortunes. Based on a new monocoque four-door body shell,
the 1500 had independent suspension all around with McPherson
struts in front and trailing arms in the rear. The engine was also
new: A superb inline-four with single-overhead-cam, hemispherical
combustion chambers, and a stout cast-iron block. Some early 1500
models had teething problems, but by 1964, the vastly improved 1600
solved most of those issues, and sales climbed steadily. The
stylish 2000C coupe joined the line in 1965, and in 1966 the 1600-2
(later 1602) two-door saloon was introduced. The two-door "02
series" as it would become known, was the sportiest of the standard
line, with engines of up to two liters, and performance options
such as twin carburetors (from 1968) and mechanical fuel injection
(from 1971). If the Neue Klasse was the most important car in BMW's
history, the 2002 was possibly the most crucial model of the Neue
Klasse. Before its introduction in 1968, BMW's involvement in the
US market was minimal. But the 2002 was an instant cult-classic,
transforming BMW's image thanks to superb handling and exceptional
build quality - all at a reasonable price. Before long, its
European racing heritage spilled over to US shores, and 2002s were
tackling everything from club-level gymkhanas to SCCA Trans-Am. The
2002 established BMW's reputation in the US, paved the way for
larger, more luxurious six-cylinder sedans and coupes, and served
as the blueprint for the 3-series, which remains the benchmark to
which all other sports sedans are measured. This 1972 2002 is
recently out of long-term, single-family ownership and is a
beautiful, largely original car presented in Agave over a
saddle-brown interior. The history file includes the German
temporary registration, indicating it was collected new at the
factory under the European delivery program. The first owner, Mr.
Phillip Gearhart, owned the car from 1972 through 1986, then
transferred ownership to his son-in-law from Pennsylvania, who
owned it through 2019. Along the way, this desirable
round-taillight 2002 was well maintained and kept in remarkably
original condition. It has never been fully restored; instead, it
has had a light cosmetic freshening, including one respray in the
factory shade of Agave green. The body is respectably straight,
with a couple of minor imperfections noted from use and storage.
The paintwork is also quite good, with a glossy finish and
consistent quality. It appears some minor bodywork was performed
before painting, and the original finish is preserved in the engine
bay and on the underside of the car. Critically, the unibody shell
is very solid with no signs of repairs on the floors, boot floor,
sills, chassis legs, and other critical structural areas. The
bright alloy trim and bumpers are in good condition, and the car
rides on the original 13" steel wheels with factory-correct
stainless wheel covers. The saddle interior is remarkably untouched
and well-preserved, with basketweave-pattern vinyl upholstery in
excellent condition on the front and rear seats. Door panels are
outstanding originals, and the dash is free of cracks and in superb
condition. Correct original VDO gauges work as they should, and the
switches are all in good order. Loop carpeting and the original
headlining are both in outstanding condition. It is refreshingly
correct inside, down to the original steering wheel and nearly
unworn black plastic shift knob. BMW's legendary M10 is one of the
greatest four-cylinder engines of all time. Torquey and full of
character, the virtually-bulletproof bottom end made it an ideal
candidate for tuning and racing. This car retains its original
numbers-matching 2-liter block, mated to a Getrag four-speed manual
gearbox. It breathes through a correct single Solex carburetor,
with the proper air cleaner, and factory cast iron exhaust
manifold. It runs quite well, feeling eager through the whole rev
range, propelling the lightweight 2002 along with ease. The
unassisted steering is light and the handling surefooted, thanks to
modern radial tires on the 13-inch wheels. Gear changes are
positive and precise thanks to a recently rebuilt shift lever.
Sporty, yet composed and comfortable, the 2002 is an eager
companion for carving up twisty roads, and equally happy to cruise
along at 70+ mph. With cult-classic status, many 2002s have lived
hard lives or have been modified beyond recognition. This desirable
"roundie" is refreshingly faithful to factory specifications and
has enjoyed a pampered life, remaining incredibly sound and
original. It is the perfect choice for entry into The Vintage or
any number of BMW CCCA club events and is sure to bring many miles
of joy to its next owner. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6580-1972-bmw-2002-2-door-sedan/