1973 BMW 2002 Tii

As BMW sales climbed throughout the 1960s across Europe, their attention started to focus on Motorsport and their desire to create "The Ultimate Driving Machine". The first model to reflect this was the '2002', introduced in 1968 and their high-performance version, the '2002 Tii', quickly followed in 1970 with a more powerful engine giving 120bhp, a 5-speed gearbox and uprated suspension and brakes. The chassis is that of the two-carburetor '2002 Ti' uprated with stiffer springs, front and rear anti-roll bars, larger front disc brakes, and wider wheels. In the driveline, the 'Tii' has a slightly closer ratio 4-speed gearbox, a stronger clutch, and a longer axle ratio to increase top speed.

This early 2002 Tii, superbly finished in Inka Orange, is an original right-hand drive, round tail light, non-sunroof example, possibly the rarest and most desirable iteration of the naturally aspirated 2002s. A very well sorted example, our vendor, a serial 2002 owner did, in fact, own this car several years previously and when the opportunity arose to buy it back he couldn"t have been more pleased, however, other projects mean that the car is once again available.

Little is known of the car's early life, however, looking through the recent history file we can see that under previous ownership the car benefited from much expenditure in 2014/2015. 'Jaymic' of Norwich, well-known 2002 specialists, were tasked with servicing the car and having a good look round. They carried out an oil service and replaced a number of components in exchange for £1,400. Further invoices indicate that a new water pump and a new radiator were fitted, and the distributor was changed for a correct one. In the file are also detailed receipts for brake refurbishment including new brake hoses and the brake fluid reservoir.

The interior also received its fair share of attention with over £1,000 spent on correctly re-trimming the seats in the original basket-weave style with the addition of new matching basket-weave mats. The presentation of the engine bay is remarkable, the paintwork gleams, the chrome work and detailing are superb, and as you can see from the photographs, this is a really attractive 2002Tii with only a little, localised paint blistering taking away from the whole effect.

Our vendor has used and enjoyed this car greatly, favouring it over the 2002Tiis and 2002 Turbos he"s owned in the past. These little “Beemers” are true driver's cars with excellent performance, handling and iconic styling and this super example represents an opportunity to purchase one of the most desirable and rare specifications available.