Sometimes you’re presented with a scene so sublime that all you can do is simply stop and admire for a moment before going on your way. In a way, BMW’s Neue Klasse was the automotive equivalent of this eye-catching photograph – the cars were so “right” for the moment, they captured everyone’s attention and arguably saved a faltering BMW.
The subject 2002, with its airy greenhouse, dainty wrap-around bumpers, original wheel covers and round taillights, is an excellent example of why. I tagged it as a 1972 model, although it could also be a late 1971, which was the point at which the lower side moldings were fitted. 1973 models got extended bumpers to meet revised US regulations. An excellent composition, all the way around.
Photography by Tyler Stembridge
SW Washington Street, Peoria, Illinois, USA
October, 2016
The beauty of Simplicity. At first I thought these were a little plain and dull looking. But over time they grew on me. When I was in college in the late 70’s These were quite popular with the “exchange” students. By the time I graduated college I had my heart set on the 3.0 CS sedan or even better, a Bavaria with manual transmission. My brother bought a new ’78 320i and I got to drive it a few times. That car had no power equipment and a five speed. Except for the A/C it would have been referred to as a “stripper” if it were an American car. As a BMW it was the distilled essence of what Motoring is all about. He put over 250,000 miles on that car, he loved it. Awhile back I found a first gen 733 with a four speed manual on a consignment lot . I had loved these when they first came out, remember that glowing review in Car and Driver? It was really clean. I was too tied up with other cars to make a move on it. Such a pity.
I keep my eyes open looking for early Jags, BMWs, Acura Legends and even MBZs with a manual trans. Perhaps the stars will line up for me some time in the future.
Great shot — really makes me want to get in that car and drive it away.
Several times in the past month I’ve seen an early ’70s 2002 driving around — always on the opposite side of a busy road, so I haven’t been able to get any shots of it. But just seeing a 2002 on the road is like looking at this outtake, in that it seems to brighten up any setting.
I did drive a 2002 once, but unfortunately it was an automatic, and not in very good shape. Still, it left a lasting impression on me.
“Eine Studie in Grün”
Very nice, I like the hubcaps they used back then on these.
I’ve always found this car to be the most attractive BMW. My other favourite BMW is the E3 Bavaria.
If I had complete control of the design of that car, I don’t think I would change a single line….
I agree. As BMWs go, this is the best looking car I’ve seen. I like all 2002s, both the early versions with the round taillamps and the later models with the rectangular taillamps.
Awesome photograph. I don’t remember – were these cars rust-prone?
I pulled up behind one of these things at a stoplight. I swear I could read the license plate of the car ahead of it.
Seems like perfection to me; everything you need or want in a driver’s sedan. None of the excess.
Yes, “dainty, A, B, and C-pillars make for near 360-degree visibility with no blind spots.”
My ’72 was THE car that got me hooked when I acquired it from my brother back in 1986.
I’ve owned 6 or 7 2002’s… buying & selling parts/cars for the last 30 years.
Unfortunately, the economy forced me to sell all 5 of my misc. classic BMW’S…. my ’72 the last to go, just 3 month’s ago.
30 years is a long time to own one car. 8….. -(
Lovely profile shot. These cars were so perfectly done. A brother had a ’69 2002 – really it was a 1968 model – and driving it was a revelation. Sometimes simplicity is its own reward.
I’ve never driven a BMW 1602/2002, but I liked them as kid. I’d like one now!
Interestingly, in Greece in the early 70s, an Alfa Giulia coupe had more cachet.
In summer of 1982, just finished HS, working as a car stereo installer, I had to drive a customer’s 320i around the building to install an upgraded car radio.
I didn’t exceed 15 mph, yet I was so impressed with this car! Manual steering, but not heavy, and the clutch, shifter–everything I interacted with during those 2 minutes exuded such precision! And I realized that this ‘base’ 4-cyl car was worth the price of a base Cadillac Coupe De Ville–Quality vs Quantity.
If memory serves, the wrap-around rear bumper, which I like much more than the earlier truncated, thicker one, came out for the ’72 model year. For ’73 I believe the rear bumper was same as ’72 and the front mounted further forward but otherwise the same. Rumor has it that the front bumper overriders were same too, but flipped upside down on the ’73s.
Great pic. I’ve considered owning one many times but they seem impossible to find without significant rust.
Excellent photo of a significant automobile. Well done.