1973 BMW 2002 TII

1,991cc SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder
Kugelfischer Fuel Injection
130bhp at 5,800rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc and Rear Drum Brakes

*Wonderfully sorted and restored, numbers matching example
*Desirable fuel injected version of the iconic 2002 model
*Last year of the round taillight 2002's
*Extensive history file and service history

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 tii. The tii stood for Touring International and Injection. The larger, 1,991cc engine produced 130bhp at 5,800rpm with mechanical fuel injection over its predecessors' 120bhp on twin Webers in the 2002TI. Models available on the 2002 platform comprised a two-door saloon, three-door Touring estate car, and a Cabriolet. 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 2002 tii was owned for 25 years by a true BMW 2002 enthusiast before being acquired by the seller in 2019, During the previous ownership, the car was the recipient of a documented restoration which took place over the course of several years. The refurbishment included sandblasting the exterior to bare metal, completing any needed metalwork and finally a repaint in beautiful Fjord Blue. Additionally, the exterior received new trim, bumpers, rubber and plating. The interior was also completely refreshed with gray carpeting and black vinyl seats, as well as the side panels and dash panels. The original, numbers matching fuel injected engine was completely rebuilt and the car was further upgraded with a 5-speed Getrag transmission from a BMW E21 3-series for increased driving enjoyment.

This BMW comes with a history file with receipts from parts, services, repairs and restoration dating all the way back to 1992. The history file is very detailed and complete with photos documenting the restoration. During the current ownership, the car was also well cared for and received some excellent upgrades including modern Kenwood stereo and speakers, complete suspension refresh completed this year, new headliner just completed, and a lightweight lithium battery was added. The car does have a few tasteful aftermarket parts installed including beautiful period correct Panasport wheels, modernized suspension components as well as a Momo Monte Carlo leather steering wheel. The car is in wonderful driving condition and the engine is running strong. Accompanied with the car is the history file, original BMW parts and service manual, along with the original 4-speed transmission and other miscellaneous parts for the car. Surely a wonderful opportunity to own such a well sorted example of one of BMW's finest driving machines.