1973 BMW 2002 Cabriolet

Coachwork by Karosserie Baur

1,991cc SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder
Single Carburetor
100bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes

*Iconic BMW cabriolet
*Rare and desirable Baur version of the 2002 model
*Sold new to Belgium
*In the present ownership since 1987

THE BMW 2002

The foundation of BMW's post-war resurgence was the Neue Klasse four-door 1500 saloon and its derivatives, the company capitalizing on their success with the launch of a revised two-door range in 1966. Like the earlier cars, the new 1600 (later 1602) featured unitary construction, all-independent suspension and front disc brakes. All variants came with the Munich firm's dependable, single-overhead-camshaft, 1,573cc, four-cylinder M10 engine under the bonnet, which despite its humble origins would go on to form the basis of a turbo-charged 1,000-horsepower Grand Prix unit and Formula 1 World Championship winner. A two-door car, the 1602 was less expensive than the four-door saloon on which it was based. The model made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March 1966 as the '1600-2' and remained in production until 1975. As installed in the 1602, the M10 engine produced 85bhp, which was good enough for a top speed of around 100mph, with 60mph attainable in 12 seconds.

Demands for increased power, not least from the firm's US importer, Max Hoffman, led to the introduction of the 2002 in 1968. BMW's director of product planning, Helmut Werner Bönsch, and Alex von Falkenhausen, the M10's designer, had already had 2.0-liter engines installed in their personal 1602s, and proposed to BMW that the company should build a production model along similar lines. Enter the 2002. The larger, 1,990cc engine produced 100bhp at 5,500rpm in single-carburetor configuration and 120bhp on twin Webers when installed in the 2002TI. Models available on the 2002 platform comprised a two-door saloon, three-door Touring estate car, and a Cabriolet, the latter with coachwork by BMW's long-term collaborators Karosserie Baur of Stuttgart. An immense commercial success for the German manufacturer, some 349,000 BMW 2002s of all types had been sold by the time production ceased in 1976.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This lovely open-top 2002 is one of just 2,517 Cabriolets coachbuilt by Baur. Featuring a three position top composed of two pieces—a removable targa roof and a folding rear quarter, this is the ultimate expression of wind-in-your-hair motoring combined with the nimbleness for which the 2002 is famous.

Manufactured in July of 1973 and delivered new to Belgium, it was acquired near Leuven by the current owner in 1987 and promptly shipped to the United States making it—then and now—one of the few Baur Cabriolets to make it to American shores. Pictures of the car at the port prior to shipment show it very much in the condition it presents today in Golf Yellow with black interior. Upon arrival in the United States, it joined the owner's collection and was serviced regularly. Laid up for the last seven years, the Bimmer is ready for some recommissioning to bring it back to its former self. Given the rarity of these droptop 2002s, you're all but guaranteed to not see yourself heading the other direction!