Vintage Racing Services

1976 BMW 2002

An opportunity to own the BMW that established the marque in the U.S.

The 2002 series has been called the most important model in BMW history.  Bob Lutz, then a BMW executive, used the 2002 as the automobile to establish BMW as “The Ultimate Driving Machine” in the U.S.  The 2002 was produced from 1966-1977 and represented a turning point in BMW history.  The 2002 also established the foundation for the 3 Series on which BMW’s ongoing sales success has been based.

The 2002 series combined a powerful engine and agile handling with solid German build quality and practical four person seating at a reasonable price.  Competitors like Alfa Romeo may have been seen to create the concept, but never at such high quality and low price.  The car was introduced in 1966 as the 1600-2, derived from the 1600 sedan with only two doors and a shortened wheelbase to make it lighter and more agile.  The 1.6-liter engine originally produced 85 horsepower but was enough—in a 940kg car—to outperform contemporary sports cars like the MGB.  All independent suspension and front disc brakes were not found on any other car in the price range.

The 1600ti model followed just a year later.  Horsepower was raised to 105 with higher compression and twin-choke Solex carburetors and the BMW became a legitimate competitor to the Alfa Romeo GTV.  A 2.0-liter engine was developed for the U.S. market and the car became the 2002.  In U.S. form, the 2002 originally produced 100hp and 116 foot ft-lbs. with a single carburetor, good for 0-60 in 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 106mph.  Other models included the 2002tii and 2002 turbo, good for 118 and 130mph respectively.

BMW built a total of 430,000 2002s in 11 years, compared with 223,000 for the Alfa Romeo GTV.

The example offered is an original, low mileage late production car which will make a wonderful sporting driver.

Specifications

Chassis: 2741794
Engine: 2-liter, 4-cyl., sohc, 120hp
Engine Number: 12374364
Transmission:  4-speed manual
Brakes: front disc/rear drum
Color: black/tan
Mileage: 139,634
Number built:  430,000
Price: $7,000