Specifications
Engine | 1990cc 4cyl |
---|---|
Gearbox | 4-Speed Manual |
Body Work | Coupe |
Colour | Deep Red |
Interior | Cloth |
Trim | Red/Black |
Wheels | Cast Alloy |
Brakes | Disc/Drum |
Description
The background to the creation of the 2002 range lies in the early 1960s, when BMW introduced their 'Neu Klasse' (New Class) range with the introduction of the sporty, yet compact '1500' four-door. It plugged the gap in the range between the Isetta bubble car and the upper-end offerings and its success is historically seen as the model that took BMW to the position it is in today. This success gave them the confidence to introduce further models along the same lines, and the attractive compact sports coupe, the 1600 (or 1602 to give its series title), was officially unveiled at Geneva in March 1966. It sported a 72kW 1.6-litre engine and was acclaimed by the enthusiast motoring journalists of the time. 1968's 2002 went further still, and remains an iconic BMW to this day, with an initial 81kW from its 1990cc engine. With time, more focused models were introduced, the progressively more powerful 2002ti, fuel-injected tii and super-rare 2002 Turbo being particular highlights. The range continued through to 1976 when it was taken over by the first of the 3-series, the E21, though it could never match the timeless elegance of the 2002's styling.