One to Buy: ultra rare UK delivery 1974 BMW 2002 Turbo
BMW first introduced a turbocharged iteration of the 2002 in order to retain its competitive advantage over Porsche and Alfa Romeo in the premier Division 3 category of the 1969 European Touring Car Championship.
1968 had seen Dieter Quester secure the title for the Bavarian marque driving a normally aspirated 2002ti and, during the winter that followed, BMW’s Paul Rosche was tasked with creating a forced induction version of the existing M14 engine.
Thanks to wins around Belgrade, Brands Hatch and Jarama as well as up the Marchairuz Hillclimb, Quester retained his Drivers’ crown and BMW made it back-to-back Manufacturer titles for what was the second and last year of the European Touring Car Championship’s Group 5 era.
Although the 2002tiK had fulfilled its objective of winning the 1969 ETCC titles, the forced induction motor did not have the best reliability record and it wasn’t until late 1973 that BMW felt sufficiently confident to offer a production version: the 2002 Turbo.
Unfortunately, the ensuing Oil Crisis had killed the ‘02 Turbo off by the summer of ‘75 and BMW never bother to build a right-hand drive market which meant relatively few of the 1672 built made its way to the UK.
However, one of these ultra rare KL-delivered 2002 Turbos is currently on offer at the Munich Legends showroom in Chelwood Gate, East Sussex.
Imported new by BMW’s British distributor in 1974, the still very low mileage car was in 1978 acquired by BMW dealer Richard Cound of Cotswold Service Station who retained it until 1994.
The car has today covered a little under 50,000 miles and is presented in very good condition throughout. It comes complete with a fascinating history file and BMW Classic certification that confirms its matching numbers status.
Reprinted below is Munich Legends’ description:
Mileage: 49,850 miles
Year: 1974
Transmission: Manual
Exterior Colour: Chamonix White
Interior Colour: Black vinyl
Former Keepers: 5
Fifty years ago last year, the E20 BMW 2002 turbo emerged onto the UK market as Europe’s first turbo-charged production car.
With its unapologetically sporty character – dogleg gearbox, boost gauge and shouty decals (the most famous being the backwards spelt ‘obrut’, so that in your rear-view mirror you’d be in no doubt what was just about to overtake you) – there was literally nothing like it back then on UK roads, with the turbo technology coming straight from BMW’s success on the racetrack.
It doesn’t officially carry an ‘M’ badge (although interestingly it does wear the stripes), but the 2002 turbo was BMW Motorsport’s first outing (if you don’t count the 3.0CSL), and it was certainly the first time the soon-to-be renamed BMW M team took a road car – the 2002tii – and breathed on it, just for the hell of it (as opposed for homologation purposes).
The engine had a revised cylinder head and pistons, and the Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system from the 2002tii was also modified internally, along with significantly beefed up suspension and brakes.
Only 1672 of these amazing machines were made by BMW worldwide – all in LHD – before the OPEC oil crisis, and the attendant world-wide recession effectively put paid to BMWs ambitions. Production was halted prematurely, and we’re left with a hugely reduced number of the original 1660 production models – according to howmanyareleft.co.uk there are only 9 licensed for road use in the UK with a further possible 10 on SORN.
This particular 2002 turbo is exceptional because of its excellent history file, giving the car a fascinating back story.
A UK supplied car (or to be precise, imported in 1974 by the then BMW Concessionaires Ltd), and purchased in 1978 by BMW dealer Richard Cound (Cotswold Service Station!) – who’s original dealer sticker still adorns the rear screen – the car was then loaned to BMW (GB) Ltd for 3 years to be used for press duties, then reverting back to the dealer where it remained on display and in use until it was sold on in 1994.
The history file includes period correspondence referring to this period in detail.
The car has many other interesting documents and photo records from its rehabilitation and restoration, in addition to a BMW Classic certificate, and a used car sale contract for £4500! Most importantly, the overall condition is of a very good standard, particularly compared to other ’02 turbos, making this particular car a compelling exception.
Decent ’02 turbos are becoming next to non-existent in the UK, and this one has an exceptional history and provenance, so viewing is highly recommended.
Our technical team have carried out a rigorous inspection of the car, and with a few items identified as needing to be tidied up – all being done as part of the prep – this lovely 2002 turbo will be in both useable and collectable condition for the new owner.
