For Sale: 1975 BMW 2002 in Chicago, Illinois

CURRENT OWNERSHIP SINCE 2012RETAINING MOSTLY ORIGINAL PASTEL BLUE PAINTHIGHLY DESIRABLE PERIOD PERFORMANCE MODSRENOWNED BMW 2.0L 4-CYLINDER ENGINEUPGRADED WEBER CARB, CAM, EXHAUST4-SPEED MANUAL GEARBOXBMW E30 "BASKET WEAVE" WHEELSREUPHOLSTERED RECARO SEATS IN FACTORY TANREBUILT SUSPENSION & BRAKES, UPGRADED IGNITIONMOMO PROTOTIPO STEERING WHEELDOCUMENT WITH HISTORY & UPGRADE DETAILSREADY TO OWN, COLLECT & ENJOY! The BMW 2002 series enjoys a rabid enthusiast and owner following today, and rightly so. Descended from BMW's brilliant "Neue Klasse" lineup that delivered the sales and financial salvation of BMW, the 2002 was highly successful, especially in the growing North American premium-car marketplace of the 1970s. Most importantly, the 2002 and its antecedents preserved BMW's independence, especially in the face of credible buyout threats from German archrival Mercedes-Benz. The 2002 and its variants were coveted driving machines when new, and today, they continue to enjoy a loyal, cult-like following.BMWs have always appealed to knowledgeable enthusiasts and as expected, this 1975 BMW 2002 is offered from a highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic seller, who originated the popular Chicago-area Fuelfed Coffee & Classic events. They acquired the BMW from its third owner in 2012.Now offered with under 22k indicated miles, this top-quality 1975 BMW 2002 was produced during December 1974 and retains the majority of its factory Pastel Blue paint finish, with the exception of both front fenders, which were refinished at some time before the current ownership. Additionally, the original manufacturer's tag is still affixed to the driver's side door jamb, showing the month/year of manufacture, VIN, and weight-rating data. According to known and documented history, following the first owner's purchase, this BMW 2002 was upgraded with several desirable performance upgrades including the downdraft Weber twin-choke carburetor, Schrick 284 cam, Stil header and ANSA sport exhaust, and Momo Prototipo steering wheel. As equipped, the first owner used the car as a hobby/autocross car until the mid-1980s, when he passed and his wife the BMW to his best friend, who used the car rarely, due to his size. The third owner purchased the car in the late 1980s with the intent of enjoying the car as a modern classic, but career and family responsibilities took priority.The current owner acquired the BMW in November 2012 and added numerous upgrades and updates, with receipts documenting the build. Among the works performed, the 2002 received an all-new front suspension and new bushings and bearings, plus new Bilstein sport shocks. The pedal box was also rebuilt with new bushings installed. Other updates included the new OEM radiator, rebuilt brakes with new lines, a new master cylinder and a new clutch slave cylinder. The electrical and ignition systems were updated with a new alternator, a new, smaller, and stronger E30 starter, a new distributor cap, rotor, and spark plugs, and an electronic ignition conversion, Taylor ignition wires, and a new Bosch sport ignition coil. Other welcome upgrades include Recaro seats, retrimmed in factory-matching tan vinyl, 14-inch BMW E30 "basket weave" wheels, Coco mats, upgraded LED headlights, and too many more fine details to list here. Recent work includes rebuilding of the Weber carburetor and careful tuning with metering jets matched to the Shrick cam and Stihl header.In 2024, the 1970s-era Momo Prototipo steering wheel was replaced with a new equivalent. A set of factory steel wheels is also included with this incredibly well-preserved and thoughtfully upgraded 1975 BMW 2002. One of BMW's finest and most successful models, the 2002 is the one that burned the Bavarian automaker's legend into the minds of smart collectors and enthusiasts in North America. Contact us to see this fabulous, low-mile 2002 for yourself today and get ready to make it yours!