1972 BMW 2002 Sedan

The Isetta is thought to have saved BMW while the 2002 model is regarded as the vehicle that defined the company. Its roots were based in the 'New Class' of medium-range family sedans first offered as the 1500 series in 1962 through 1964. The engine was canted over 30 degrees to the right side of the engine bay, providing space for multi-choke carburetion and, eventually, fuel injection on the tii models.

During the 12-year model run of the 'New Class', a total of 398,434 were built including 196,845 2002s between January 1968 and June 1975.

The four-door sibling was called the 2000 while the sportier 2-door was dubbed the 2002. They came standard with a brake servo and hydraulic clutch. Six months after its introduction, it was given dual circuit brakes. 20 percent of production made it across the Atlantic and into the North American market, helping make this model a runaway success for BMW.

This particular example has been given a recent restoration and finished in Golf (yellow) over black leatherette. It is a U.S-delivery example and is fitted with a four-speed manual transmission. BMW sport seats have been installed and upholstered in the original pattern of the upholstery used when new. Upgrades include the ATS 14-inch five-spoke wheels with BF Goodrich G-Force tires, Hella driving lights, a Crane coil, Weber carburetors with velocity stacks (including covers), a VDO water bottle, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, a stainless steel exhaust, and a special center console with additional gauges including voltage, temperature, and oil pressure.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015