BMW 2002.
A "Forever Young".
Tough times for the German company during the '60s forced them to think smarter to restart competing with the competitors. At that time Alfa Romeo was leading the market producing powerful and affordable cars and being loved by both, petrolheads and families. BMW needed a new hit to satisfy the market.
That hit came in 1962, with the release of the ‘Neue Klasse’ (‘New Class’) sedans. A three volume car that sold extremely well. Different variants of engine with different prices and a different approach. The Munich based automotive manufacturer decided to produce a car with just 2 doors, swimming against the tide that was led by a "society need" of 4 doors for comfort.
But -Tempora Mutantur- times change quickly and especially from the US, since Datsun offered better performances, customers started asking for bigger engines. Luckily most of the engineers in Munich were already customising their "beasts" by swapping in larger engines and, few years later, in the 1968 the BMW 2002 was released.
In base form, it features a 100-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a 4-speed manual, or an optional 3-speed automatic. European buyers also got the 2002ti, with a dual-carb 119-hp engine. And like the previous model, the BMW 2002 has front discs and independent suspension.
Beautiful, functional and enjoyable.
Not just cash. This car's been made for people with style and taste. We’ll never, ever, ever get tired of the timeless cool of the various pop colours and the '60s curves of this BMW 2002.
Last but not least is the brown interior. These Chocolate Napa Leather seats and Green paintjob is just a magnificent combo that customers could choose back in the days. To be fair, there's not much more to say about interiors. Just look at them and enjoy. No doubt - one of the most stylish cabin you'll see out there.
Today we consider the E30 one of the best product ever made by BMW but it wouldn’t exist without this beauty.
The BMW 2002, not only saved the company but set the stage for performance imports in the US and worldwide.
50 years ago BMW's cars were much different but no less impressive.
And here is an example. Enjoy.
Sony Alpha 7RIII
May 2021, London UK
