For Sale: 1974 BMW 2002 in Scotts Valley, California

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1974 BMW 2002 Turbo
VIN: 4291203

One of 1,672 examples built from 1974 to 1975
Matching-numbers 2.0L inline 4 turbocharged engine - 168hp, 177 lb-ft of torque
Factory optional 5-speed manual transmission, rear wheel drive
Completely restored recently by BMW specialists Oldenzaal Classics
Polaris Silver, original black leatherette sports seats
Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system
Includes BMW Classic Certificate
Has spare wheel/tire, and jack

This 1974 BMW 2002 Turbo completed production on September 11th, 1974. Optioned in Polaris Silver and the optional close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission, it was delivered to BMW Import S.A. in Bagneux, France, according to the BMW Heritage Certificate accompanying the 2002 Turbo. The certificate also indicates that the engine is the original matching-numbers example that accompanied the car when it was new. In the mid 2010s the Turbo was put through an extensive nut-and-bolt concours-level restoration by BMW specialists Oldenzaal Classics, based in the Netherlands. Known for their extensive knowledge of the BMW brand and their heritage, the BMW was treated to a complete suite of restoration services resulting in this fine example of a BMW 2002 Turbo. The car was then acquired by Peter Ludwig, who imported the car from the Netherlands in 2017 to New York and remained the caretaker of the vehicle until 2021, where it has resided with its most recent owner.

Upon arriving at Canepa, the BMW 2002 Turbo was thoroughly inspected through the "Canepa Difference" process. All vehicles are given a complete inspection that goes through all mechanical systems, cosmetic surfaces, and ensures that the car is presented and operating in its best state. The 2002 Turbo also received a comprehensive concours-level detailing including the underside being washed by hand, and a multi-stage foam-pad polish to enhance the Polaris Silver metallic paint. The resulting car drives wonderfully and provides a sense of enthusiasm that you would expect from a tight, small, and powerful sports car.

The BMW 2002 Turbo represents an interesting period for BMW, whose mantra read "The Ultimate Driving Machine" for decades, this lightweight sports car with a potent turbocharged powerplant is a winning combination for driver and collectors alike. With a low production count of 1,672 examples built, the first European turbocharged production car, and with this example in restored condition with the optional close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission with matching-numbers engine, it is a perfect example of "the right car at the right time" for its new future caretaker.

About the BMW 2002 Turbo

High performance coupes have been one of the most tried-and-true solutions for sports car manufacturers, offering a neat package of performance, practicality, and oftentimes style to match. BMW was no stranger to this formula, with strong examples from the 60s and coming from their 3.0 CSL in the early 1970s, but another variant was forming within the depths of BMW's design departments. Development had begun that would transform the 1600-2 into a performance machine that would leave a lasting impact on the world of motorsport, and introduced to the automotive world in 1973: the BMW 2002 Turbo.

The BMW 2002 Turbo (E20) was not only a revelation for BMW, but also European automakers. Launched in 1973 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2002 Turbo marked the first turbocharged vehicle for BMW, but was also the first European turbocharged production car by any manufacturer. Spec'd with a 2.0L engine utilizing a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system, the 2002 Turbo's engine produced a substantial 168 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. With upgraded power came upgraded components, which included a larger radiator and oil cooler as standard in order to help maintain operating temperature under spirited driving. A standard 4-speed manual transmission was available, or the optional close-ration 5-speed manual transmission (optioned on this specific BMW 2002 Turbo), both built by Getrag. Ventilated brake discs enabled better stopping power, and a limited-slip differential as standard kept power going to the ground during high-speed maneuvers.

The Turbo's interior also saw enhancements to inform the driver and passengers that this was not a normal 2002. An extra gauge cluster for the boost gauge and clock were added, including a red instrument panel with a 240kph/150mph speedometer, sports seats and a sport steering wheel. The exterior also gained improvements in the name of speed, including a new lower valance with air intakes and wider front and rear fenders to allow for wider wheels. Offered in either Chamonix (white) or Polaris (silver), both color variants featured BMW motorsport color-scheme stripes/decades on the front and side of the front valance. The "Turbo" script is reversed, with BMW's designers planning to have it read "Turbo" correctly as drivers come behind traffic drivers in front and see them in their rearview mirror.

Once the 2002 Turbos were in driver's hands, the reviews began to pour in. With excellent handling characteristics and a significant powerplant with minimal weight, it was a winning combination for BMW. With the optional close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission, it only enhanced the vehicle's dynamics even more, being able to stay within the Turbo's powerband at the optimal times. Sadly, the 2002 Turbo's production was short lived. Only 1,672 examples were built, as the sports car was introduced right before the 1973 oil crisis, and was only produced in 1974 and 1975. In a classic case of "the right place at the wrong time", it was more like "the right car at the wrong time." Years passed and the following for the 2002 Turbo only grew as other cars continued to get bigger and heavier, while the Turbo provided an amazing lightweight and powerful sports car package, leading to its distinct following of enthusiasts and owners today.