One to Buy: Unrestored 51,000 mile 2 owner 1975 BMW 2002 Turbo
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Two months after BMW Motorsport had released the ultimate 3.2-litre iteration of its 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 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, all of which were either painted Chamonix White or Polaris Silver.
On November 14th, what must be one of the best preserved 2002 Turbos in existence will be going under the hammer during Iconic Auctioneers’ NEC Classic Motor Show sale in Birmingham.
A matching numbers example, chassis 4291010 was supplied new by Brasted Service Station in Kent and first registered to a Mr Carlisle on August 1st 1975. On September 20th, the car passed to its second custodian who has retained it ever since.
Chassis 4291010 is accompanied by its original book pack and wallet, original blue logbook, a handwritten maintenance diary spanning the years from 1975 to 2003, MOT certificates dating from 1979 and a near-complete collection of road tax discs extending to 2007. It even still carries the supplying dealer’s sticker in the rear window.
Now showing a little over 51,000 miles, chassis 4291010 remains in totally unrestored condition, retaining its original paintwork and interior throughout.
