1974 BMW 2002

“Revolutionary” is common enough in automobile ads. But how many car models ignited a historic automotive revolution all by themselves? Debuting at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show, the BMW 2002 did just that. With its peppy and rev-friendly 2-liter M10 motor, 4-speed floor-mounted shifter, precise handling that matched sports cars of the time, and practical good looks, there was no other car like it. This BMW sport sedan model called a tune the automobile market has danced to for nearly 50 years. To this day, the 2002 remains a popular entry point into vintage European-car ownership. In fact, savoring the sense of history and the car's distinctive driving dynamics, many BMW enthusiasts are more than content to have a 2002 be their only collector car.

The 1974 BMW 2002 shown here came out of the Munich factory the year before the 2002 series model-run ended. Sporting the distinctive “square” taillights, this particular car benefits from a 2015 restoration, and a professional repaint in medium red. The largely unmodified black interior features a wood-grain instrument surround, “crosshair” instruments, a period Blaupunkt push-button AM radio, BMW roundel-logo wood shifter knob, refreshed seat upholstery, a crack-free dashboard (imprinted with the 4-speed transmission's shift pattern) and Frigi-King air-conditioning. Original steel wheels with BMW-logo center caps wear Hankook Optimo tires. The car's odometer shows 108,0000 miles, averaging under 3,000 miles per year. For over 25 years of the car's life, it was in the hands of a single owner. Fully serviced in April, 2018 with its original owner's manual, service booklets and a workshop manual included, this 2002 is twisty-road-ready.

Oftentimes you hear people lament the high cost of vintage cars. This BMW 2002 proves there are still ways to enter the hobby without breaking the bank, or needing to spend a small fortune to bring a car up to snuff. Here's a classic bit of European automotive history in a fun-to-drive sports sedan, all set to begin rewarding its new owner with plenty of smiles, over plenty of miles.