Vehicle Description
BMW fans, this 1975 2002 is a special treat. Recently and
comprehensively restored, it has been distilled down to the very
essence of the very first modern sports sedan. Today it's a blast
to drive and if you're the sort of person who enjoys going around
corners, this is a fantastic choice.
The searing bright orange paint was actually one of the 2002's more
popular colors in the 1970s, which shouldn't be a surprise. One, it
was the '70s and two, guys who bought these cars weren't interested
in subtlety. They understood that they were buying not only a
high-quality car, but one of the most capable small sedans ever
built and they had no desire to hide their pride. Following the
restoration, the paint is in great shape, vivid and bold, and every
bit as orange as it was on the showroom floor. Modern paints give
it a shine befitting its upscale BMW badge, but there's minimal
flash and other add-ons to spoil the design. No spoilers or wings,
no vents, and just a simple band of shiny metal around the
perimeter to add interest. Big windows give the driver unparalleled
views in all directions, and the grille carries the dual kidney
shape that's still part of BMW today. Even the big federalized
bumpers look right on this car, making it look purposeful but not
heavy or clumsy.
The no-nonsense interior was built to accommodate the car's
performance, with custom buckets that grab you like a vice and keep
you planted no matter how hard you're running. The back seat is
gone, replaced by a neatly finished package shelf that'll be useful
for going to the track with your gear and the weight loss it
represents only serves to improve performance. The carpets, door
panels, and dash pad are also new, and a custom center console was
created to hold a trio of auxiliary gauges plus the AM/FM/CD stereo
head unit. Custom speakers on the sides of the center console work
well to add sound without altering any of the factory panels. All
the glass is new and the trunk is very neatly finished with
matching carpets and a beefy tubular rear shock tower brace that
also anchors the gel cell battery.
BMW reworked the 2.0-liter inline four during the restoration, and
with the twin 40mm S&K carburetors, it's a formidable, fun
little engine. MSD supplied the ignition system to keep it
operating at its peak and it's neatly detailed in high-tech silver
to accentuate its German origins. A 2002tii high-ratio steering box
gives it sharp reflexes, and combined with big sway bars on both
ends, H&R sport springs, and Bilstein shocks all around, this
car lives up to its reputation as a cornering demon. A 4-speed
manual gear box is a joy to run through the gears and feeds the
original independent rear end that's geared to pull out of corners
with the high-revving four at full song. Front disc brakes provide
reliable stopping power, especially in such a lightweight package,
and gorgeous BBS alloys wear 195/50/15 Bridgestone performance
radials.
This is one of the most enjoyable 2002s we've ever featured. If
dancing around corners is your thing, you owe it to find out why
the 2002 is one of the world's best dance partners. Call today!
