1974 BMW 1602 Lux

This original UK car has only 29,500 miles showing on its odometer, though, unfortunately, there is no documentation to back up that exceptionally low mileage. It’s present owner, Dominic, bought the BMW from the son of its deceased owner and, unfortunately, no service history could be found. However, the condition of the car would suggest it could be correct. And it is now up for auction at NO RESERVE. 

A walk around the car reveals a fresh-looking profile and a good overall finish, while a drive suggests conscientious stewardship and careful maintenance.

Finding no ‘clean’ examples in his native (Northern) Ireland, serial BMW owner (and modest collector) Dominic picked up this example in England and took it back to County Antrim. If, like him, you’re a family man, you’ll find the little ‘02 more practical and probably better-handling than an MG, as well as maintaining not insignificant ties with some period BMW competition cars. A very respectable - and interesting - machine to turn up in to any classic meet.

One of the first things that strikes you when looking at this BMW is the great overall ‘straightness’ of the car. Here is a design ruled by parallel lines - indeed; lines within lines if you count the plastic-on-chrome of the trim, and yet most all of them hold up very well to inspection. Edges line up well with edges across panels and the panel gaps themselves are consistent. Neither is this quite square little car in any way lopsided.

The paintwork too looks to be in good shape and consistent across the car. BMW has for a long time, had a flair for more subtle metallics, and this is a good example. Although there is no documentation to show, we believe that this ’02 has been wholly repainted fairly recently. In small places on the wheel arches, there is evidence of retouching, and if you look at some of the ‘hidden’ closing panels such as under the bonnet, inside the door shuts and under the boot lid there is evidence of paint over rubbed down previous corrosion. Still, it must be said; this demands VERY close inspection. Seams in the metalwork look generally good; and there are some tiny perforation/ bubbles below the rear number plate. Even so, the overall finish is consistent and very pleasing.

The chrome too - there’s more of it than you think - is largely in very good shape with very little pitting and deterioration in nooks and crannies although the BMW badges are little below-par.

The belt-line trim has the odd tiny waver, but is intact and securely fitted. As previously mentioned, the lower chrome and (black) plastic trim has not warped or separated and very largely faithfully follows the contours of the bodywork.

The windscreen rubbers are in slightly less good shape, showing discolouration and some cracks. Also, in the door shuts, there are some very small areas of discolouration and perhaps slight surface corrosion near the sills.

It looks pretty, it deserves to look pretty, but it’s not concours.

The condition of the interior is what gives both us and the owner the most tantalising hope that the sub-30K mileage is genuine.

‘It’s obviously been well looked-after,’ says owner Dominic. ‘I believe it’s the original interior.’

As he says, the cabin looks to be in very good shape. Velour can often look shabby on high mileage cars, but the mid-blue cloth in this example retains its colour and a good consistency across the pile. There is - perhaps - the faintest wear detectable at headrest edges, but nothing beyond what you expect of the years. The leatherette at the sides and behind the cushions looks to be in good, un-faded condition too. And all the seats retain their shape nicely.

The door cards look good - great colour and no warping. The passenger window isn’t winding at the moment (probably an easy fix) and the chrome cap at the top of the handle/arm-rest has come slightly adrift. There’s a little discolouration to the chrome strip on the passenger door and the door seals are, as mentioned, a little untidy.

Amazingly, those natty little pull-out pockets at the base of the doors remain intact.

Looking towards the dashboard, you’ll see the steering wheel isn’t original, though it looks a quality item and suits the car’s period and slightly more sporting demeanour. Beyond, the dials look to be in good shape, though there is a crack to the left in the top side of the dash going towards the windscreen. Also, the three extra dials in the centre console, and the fuel gauge, aren’t working. However, Dominic assures us that the more modern stereo above them is definitely working and is hooked up to some decent quality speakers. If it isn’t to your liking (the look, not the sound), the vendor still has the original radio.

Down below, the (very probably original) carpets are clean and well fitting, but, just to let you know; the accelerator pedal - there’s little wear to those either - can pop out of its floor-mounted hinge. Actually, that’s not as scary as it sounds.

Finally, and looking around the cabin, you’ll see both the neatness of the seatbelts (no frayed edges) and the cleanness - (no smoking) and taut appearance of the headlining; again suggesting a fairly easy life for this BMW.

It’s certainly a car you’d feel happy taking the family out in - as Dominic himself has done many times.

Opening the bonnet of the BMW brings a feeling of general well-being, with everything appearing present and correct in its proper place. There is no evidence of ‘creative’ or ad-hoc repairs, with both major components and ancillaries looking clean and generally - well; quite new. The wiring is tidy and hoses look supple and clean. There is no crud hiding in dark spaces and screw heads and jubilee clips are similarly reasonably free of grime. Also nice; the paint of the engine bay looks pretty good. Both we and the owner can attest to how well the motor pulls on the move, though the idle can be erratic. (The clutch bite point too is very high and needs adjustment). Still; mechanically very sound and ready to go. It has had some quite reassuring jobs done over the last six months, the vendor informs us that it has had a full oil and fluids change, a general service and new spark plugs and flexi-hoses. The headlights have also been upgraded to more powerful units. We are also informed by the vendor that the BMW has new brake pads, shoes, cylinders and flexi-hoses – this fits in with our drive impressions that this car has just been partially recommissioned after a period of inactivity.

Going underneath the car, the underbelly looks generally sound, but it does look like some impact damage has occurred in the past and that some localised repairs may be needed in the future. The original underseal is worn in places and there is some surface corrosion in places; springs and broader surfaces, but major suspension components look to be strong. Rubber gaiters have not perished and bolts in suspension arms look very serviceable. There are a couple of cracks that could develop and some small perforations (see pictures) such as in the spare wheel well, but nothing that can’t be easily caught and remedied.

Finishing the car off, those Alpina-style wheels are very ‘period’ and give a great look.

As we said, owner Dominic wasn’t able to locate the car’s original history, (it has not been found since, but if it turns up, we’ll let you know).

This example appears to us like a ‘right’ car. As stated several times, there is no reassuring service history, but the car looks and feels right, and it comes from an owner who is an experienced marque enthusiast. It drives well, with no rattles - quite something in itself - and the four-speed gear change is sweet. And, yes, there is some minor fettling to keep a keen owner busy in the garage.

Looks-wise, you feel it to be an honest example. There have been small cosmetic repairs, but there isn’t the feeling the Beamer has been ‘blown over’ to cover a multitude of sins. What faults it does have - mainly around untidy door and window seals, it wears honestly. And remember; a lot of the faults we’ve pointed out are very small. Remember too that that cabin - and engine bay for that matter - look very tidy, and not those of a 130,000-miler.

Valuing it can be tricky - these are quite a ‘niche’ classic. But hey; a quick check found only nine road-taxed examples in the UK - a fair few less than there are BMW 2002s. A tatty 1602 can go for £6500 at auction, so a nice one should be able command at least £2000 more, but we’ll let you decide as it is on sale from the very first bid with no reserve.

This car is ready to enjoy now - as it is - and some tlc will soon put it in the very respectable class of summer show-goers.

If these are your niche, then this one is definitely worth a look.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abindgon; 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’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.

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