One to Buy: 1974 BMW E20 2002 Turbo
Two months after BMW Motorsport had released the ultimate 3.2-litre iteration of the E9 CSL (the ‘Batmobile’), a forced induction version of the diminutive E20 was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Unlike the CSL, the new 2002 Turbo was not conceived as a homologation special. Instead, BMW offered it as the ultimate pocket rocket and an early pioneer of road car turbo technology.
In addition to its turbocharged single overhead cam 1990cc engine, the 2002 featured a reinforced bodyshell with enhanced suspension, brake and wheels. A wide-arched and heavily spoilered body kit (normally emblazoned with BMW Motorsport stripes) ensured the 2002 Turbo was instantly identifiable from lesser models in the E20 range.
Scintillating performance saw the 2002 Turbo hit 60mph from a standstill in just seven seconds and run on to a top speed of 130mph. Weight was just 1080kg.
Unfortunately, BMW’s timing ultimately proved lousy; war in the Middle East and the ensuing Energy Crisis that hit between the car’s September ‘73 launch and the start of production in January ‘74 massively reduced demand for high performance cars.
Production came to an end in July 1975 with just 1672 having been completed.
During its circa 18 month production run, BMW offered the 2002 Turbo in only two colours: Chamonix White or Polaris Silver.
One of these more scarce Polaris Silver cars is currently on offer at the Ruote da Sogno showroom in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
A highly original example with just under 80,000km on the odometer, it rides on a set of attractive Camapgnolo alloy wheels and is ripe for some sympathetic refurbishment.
Reprinted below is Ruote da Sogno’s description foe this early BMW Motorsport offering:
Year: 1974
Odometer (km): 79,702
Body colour: Polaris Silver Metallic
Interior colour: Black leather
Gearbox: 4-speed manual
When BMW decided to start working on the 2002 Turbo project, they didn't design it for large retailers, but they made a car that conquered a niche of enthusiasts.
What could not be foreseen was that during the production period of the 2002 Turbo, the so-called oil crisis would break out which, everywhere in the world, led to rationing petrol consumption. The 2002 turbo's engine is the first to be installed in a production car in Europe.
Only 1,672 examples were produced, when in 1975 it was decided to end the production of this model.
Price: €99,000
