Registration - GVA 800N

Chassis No. - 2770399

M.O.T. - June 2025

Odometer - 30,000

Sensational in Seventies-style BMW Motorsport colours over white, this example of BMW’s 2002 Tii looks superb, and is offered with No Reserve. Powered by the Munich marque’s 1,990cc engine, matched to a four-speed manual gearbox, this precursor to the 3 Series is famed for its performance - both power and precision - and, although less well known than the Turbo, is reckoned a finer driver’s car. ‘GVA 800N’ is a late example 2002 Tii, featuring rectangular rear lights rather than earlier round clusters, and this version includes a discreet flick-up spoiler on the boot lid, as well as having its front bumper removed, with a 2002 Turbo-inspired front splitter fitted in its place.

The interior is in matching cream leather with red Alcantara upholstery, which includes the door cards, and red carpeting. A period BMW steering wheel is fitted, as is the dashboard, which includes a wood veneer instrument panel. ‘GVA 800N’ has been in the same family for 24 years, and is on just the fourth owner in almost 50 years. Clearly cherished throughout its time, the 2002 Tii has been serviced every 3-5,000 miles during its current ownership, and includes a large folder of paperwork covering work carried out. This has largely been completed by classic BMW specialists Jaymic, and the vendor suggests more than £20,000 has been spent on maintenance and upkeep over the years. As such, all areas other than the paint are considered ‘excellent’ by the seller, and even that paintwork is rated as ‘good’. Showing an indicated though not warranted 30,598 miles on the odometer, ‘GVA 800N’ looks to be a low mileage example of an increasingly sought-after model, and a fascinating prospect considering it is offered at No Reserve.

BMW launched the 02 Series in 1966, basing this new, smaller model on the ‘Neue Klass’ saloon that had seen so much success already. The two-door models were intended to be a sportier example of its executive saloon, with a shorter wheelbase and lighter weight further improving handling. Two inches were cut out from the New Class wheelbase, with the styling inside and out adjusted to suit, and the running gear effectively remaining the same. Launching with a 1,573cc “1600” engine, the first 02 model was called the 1600-2 - the “2” suffix indicating the two-doors to distinguish it from the four-door 1600 saloon. Arriving in March 1966, it was an instant hit, and just about as fast as the 1800 saloon thanks to its lower weight, and the handling was compared to the Alfa Romeo rivals, which were the benchmark for the time. In 1967, a sportier version was launched with the 1600ti, featuring twin carburettors, and a 2.0 litre model was already in the works. This 100hp unit was capable of meeting US emission regulations, and was dropped in, following unofficial testing by two separate BMW executives who had both converted their 1600-2 models independently of each other. When they finally realised, they decided to pitch this faster model to the board and, with the lure of American sales, it was put into production. A full convertible was introduced in 1967, and 2.0 litre models in 1968, before the famous 2002 Turbo was made in 1969, racing and winning touring car races across Europe. In 1971 the Tii mechanical fuel injection versions arrived, with 130hp in the newly named 2002 (the 1600-2 became the 1602 at the same time). The 2002 Turbo production car finally arrived in 1973, before production of the 02 Class ceased in 1975 (barring the 1502) to make way for the new 3 Series.

In summary:

· Offered at No Reserve

· Beautifully presented example of BMW’s early sports two-door saloon

· Eye-catching 1970s-style paintwork