BMW has been building cars since 1928 but when the company started importing cars in the US in 1956 did not really have much of an impact in the US until the development of what they called the Neue Klasse in 1962. Even then it wasn’t until the launch of the BMW 02 series of cars in 1966. This was a car that many feel was the first German sports sedan. Launched as the 1600, it was extremely well received by motoring journalists but was a bit off when it came to power. Then enters the car that has been called “The Icon,” the BMW 2002.
Interestingly, the 2002 was not an official BMW model but came about when BMW’s Helmut Werner Bönsch (director of product planning) and Alex von Falkenhausen (designer of the M10 engine) each had a two-liter engine installed in a 1600 for their personal use. When they learned that each had made the same modification, they prepared a joint proposal to BMW’s board to manufacture a two-liter version of the 1600. Also, it was during the same time that BMW’s American importer Max Hoffman was asking for a sporting version of the 02 series that could be sold in the United States. The car now badged as the 2002 entered production in 1968 and the rest is history.
The Pick of the Day is one of these iconic cars, a 1974 BMW 2002.
This looks to be a nice example of the model and is described by the Port Washington, New York dealer on ClassicCars.com as having been owned by the same family since 1981. It was subject to an extensive two-year restoration in 2021 with upgrades including seats, air conditioning components, suspension, wheels and tires, ignition, and sound system.
The car has all the desirable specifications including a factory sunroof and Behr air conditioning. It is finished in its original Chamonix White with Marine Blue interior. The VIN, delivery and color certified by BMW Classic Brand Management.
The 2002 has increased quite dramatically in value in the last few years and this restored, rust free car is being offered for a very fair price of $35,000 or best offer. Yes, there are cheaper 2002s on the market, but if you were to buy one of these cars you would likely spend more on the restoration work than the asking price for this car.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
