1973 BMW 2002 Saloon

The last owner of this car had it for some 33 years. He decided to embark on a restoration around five years after buying it, spending in the region of £12k in 1992 (and more later) to bring it up to the lovely standard it’s in now.

In the history file you’ll find correspondence between the owner and renowned Cromer-based BMW specialist Jaymic, prior to it going up to Norfolk for completion. In it, it’s stated that from the photos ‘the inner wing areas, sills etc look a lot better than an average 02’. Many of the invoices from the restoration process can be found in the History Highlights section, below. As well as others for later works.

It's been meticulously maintained since and used regularly. Alas time waits for no man (or woman) and our chap had to sell, as he was ‘getting too old to enjoy it and it wasn’t getting used.’ That of course means that this supremely clean example of an 02 is now available.

There’s an elegant simplicity to the 2002’s design. At the rear this car’s ‘roundie’ lights give it the desirability edge over later iterations, whilst at the front its discreet grill reminds us of time when restraint ruled, and the front end of BMWs didn’t resemble actor Daniella Westbrook on a wild charge.

Despite being an older restoration it’s clear that it’s been mollycoddled since then. The paint is still very deep and shiny over panels that are nice and straight (the offside door fits a touch better than the nearside, but we’re talking millimetres). It does have one or two scrapes and scuffs, but these are limited to the integrated (and colour-matched) front spoiler and a cheeky touch-up/respray would tidy that up painlessly.

There’s a little dink on the offside boot lid chrome trim and another on the nearside door’s, but other than that the brightwork all looks good including those lovely 10-slot chrome hubcaps. The Firestone rubber that the wheels are shod in has a period pattern and seemingly lots of tread remaining, but it’s not known when they were fitted so the next owner should check the date stamp.

Overall, it’s one pretty little Beemer.

We’re big fans of this car’s interior; popping the driver’s door reveals a lovely deep blue cabin, which contrasts very well with the White exterior. IEC Trims of Nottingham retrimmed the seats in 1997 and the material still looks excellent with very few signs of any wear (although it is a touch baggy here and there). Look up, and you’ll find an immaculate white headlining, which, combined with the 2002’s large glass cabin surface area, lends this car’s interior a lovely and satisfyingly airy feel.

There’s a touch of staining on the rear parcel shelf, which is a shame, but a good trim shop should be able to match the material and re-trim it should the next owner wish to smarten it up. Carpets are generally good; the driver’s is a touch worn, but that’s hidden by a matching blue over-mat. Door cards are colour-matched (in fact you get spares, and a spare dashboard housing, too).

Dials are clean and clear (spare dials are included, as well!), the three-spoke steering wheel elegance itself and the original stereo cassette player sits in pride of place. The gearstick gaiter is fine, but a crack is evident on closer inspection – we’d replace.

The car has recently had a new starter motor fitted and it starts on the key. It’s a perky little thing to pilot; the engine pulls cleanly, and gearbox is nice and slick, brakes feel sharp, and suspension is nicely damped.

Pop the bonnet and you’ll find a clean and tidy motor and bay. The underside of the bonnet itself reveals just how much care went into rustproofing the car after its restoration, as along its outer edge a corrosion inhibitor, and plenty of it, is still evident.

It’s the same story underneath; serious time and expenditure has gone into protecting the metalwork. As such, it looks to be in excellent and very solid health. One or two small areas, such as along the lower sill edge, are just starting to crack with a touch of surface rust forming, so this would be a good time to touch it up here and there.

It’s a confidence inspiring picture under here.

The 2002’s history file only has one recent invoice in it and that’s for the aforementioned fresh starter motor; it’s from London & Essex Auto Electrics and dated 09/09/21 (£102.00).

Of course, the most important ones relate to the car’s restoration. October 1992 being a particularly financially heavy month with a number of invoices from Cromer-based BMW specialist Jaymic including: £5059.36 (09/07/92), £3797.00 (10/07/92), and yet another on the same date for £400.00. IEC Trims of Nottingham recovered the seats five years later at a cost of £600 (invoice dated 15/12/97). There are also a number of others for smaller amounts including one for bumpers from Sytner Ltd, (£72.86, 05/01/89).

In addition, you’ll also find a number of expired MoT test certificates, a copy of the BMW ’02 Restoration Guidebook by Mike Macartney, a Jaymic BMW 02 Parts Catalogue and a BMW 1602 & 2002 Haynes Owners Workshop Manual.

There’s also an RAC vehicle history check, which notes nothing of concern and two colour changes during the 2002’s life.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been restored and then maintained to a very high standard.

If you’ve never driven a 2002 then you’re in for a surprise because they are undoubtedly sweet, sweet little things. There is simply no comparison with contemporary British output, so I won’t try – they’re that good.

This example has been cherished by its last owner of 33 years; as discussed, he indeed had it restored, and it’s still holding up very nicely indeed. The only 'fault' we found was that we couldn't switch the windscreen wipers off!

We think this very tidy example of the breed will sell for somewhere between £11,500 and £20,000. For that the next owner will get a usable, clean and thoroughly drivable example of a rare RHD ‘roundie’ 2002.

Is it the ultimate Seventies driving machine? Well, if it’s not, then it’s certainly not far off.

Viewing is always encouraged, within government guidelines of course. The car is located at our THE MARKET HQ near Abingdon; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’