1975 BMW 2002 in Lithia Springs, Georgia

Vehicle Description

BMW fans, this 1975 2002 is a special treat. Recently and comprehensively restored, it has been distilled down to the very essence of the very first modern sports sedan. Today it's a blast to drive and if you're the sort of person who enjoys going around corners, this is a fantastic choice.

The searing bright orange paint was actually one of the 2002's more popular colors in the 1970s, which shouldn't be a surprise. One, it was the '70s and two, guys who bought these cars weren't interested in subtlety. They understood that they were buying not only a high-quality car, but one of the most capable small sedans ever built and they had no desire to hide their pride. Following the restoration, the paint is in great shape, vivid and bold, and every bit as orange as it was on the showroom floor. Modern paints give it a shine befitting its upscale BMW badge, but there's minimal flash and other add-ons to spoil the design. No spoilers or wings, no vents, and just a simple band of shiny metal around the perimeter to add interest. Big windows give the driver unparalleled views in all directions, and the grille carries the dual kidney shape that's still part of BMW today. Even the big federalized bumpers look right on this car, making it look purposeful but not heavy or clumsy.

The no-nonsense interior was built to accommodate the car's performance, with custom buckets that grab you like a vice and keep you planted no matter how hard you're running. The back seat is gone, replaced by a neatly finished package shelf that'll be useful for going to the track with your gear and the weight loss it represents only serves to improve performance. The carpets, door panels, and dash pad are also new, and a custom center console was created to hold a trio of auxiliary gauges plus the AM/FM/CD stereo head unit. Custom speakers on the sides of the center console work well to add sound without altering any of the factory panels. All the glass is new and the trunk is very neatly finished with matching carpets and a beefy tubular rear shock tower brace that also anchors the gel cell battery.

BMW reworked the 2.0-liter inline four during the restoration, and with the twin 40mm S&K carburetors, it's a formidable, fun little engine. MSD supplied the ignition system to keep it operating at its peak and it's neatly detailed in high-tech silver to accentuate its German origins. A 2002tii high-ratio steering box gives it sharp reflexes, and combined with big sway bars on both ends, H&R sport springs, and Bilstein shocks all around, this car lives up to its reputation as a cornering demon. A 4-speed manual gear box is a joy to run through the gears and feeds the original independent rear end that's geared to pull out of corners with the high-revving four at full song. Front disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, especially in such a lightweight package, and gorgeous BBS alloys wear 195/50/15 Bridgestone performance radials.

This is one of the most enjoyable 2002s we've ever featured. If dancing around corners is your thing, you owe it to find out why the 2002 is one of the world's best dance partners. Call today!