The Apex Collection · Lot F154
1974 BMW 2002 Turbo
Matching-Numbers Turbocharged 2.0L Inline-4, Dogleg 5-Speed, Nut-and-Bolt Rotisserie Restoration
Highlights
- Matching numbers turbocharged 2.0L M10 inline 4-cylinder engine
- Dogleg 5-speed manual gearbox
- Chamonix White with Blue and Red turbo graphics
- Nut and bolt rotisserie restoration by marque expert
- Sold new in Sicily, Italy
- 13 inch Alpina wheels
- Detailed undercarriage
- First European passenger car to have a turbocharger
Specification
- Year
- 1974
- Make
- BMW
- Model
- 2002
- Exterior
- Chamonix White
- Interior
- Black
- Transmission
- 5-Speed Manual
- Odometer
- 133 miles
- Lot
- F154
The Story
The 1974 BMW 2002 Turbo stands as one of the most iconic and groundbreaking models in BMW’s history. As the first turbocharged production car from the brand—and one of the first in Europe—it took the already beloved 2002 platform and elevated it into a performance legend. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine producing 170 HP, the 2002 Turbo was capable of reaching 60 MPH from rest in under 7 seconds, an impressive feat for its time. Its aggressive flared fenders, bold front air dam and signature mirror-reversed "2002 turbo" script across the front bumper gave it a distinct presence, signaling its sporting intentions.
This top-of-the-range model had been introduced following a successful racing program that saw a works-entered, turbocharger-equipped 2002 win the 1969 European Touring Car Championship in the hands of Dieter Quester. The road version made do with “only” 170 HP that, in a compact package with little to no turbo lag, resulted in outstanding performance. The Turbo's top speed was 130 MPH, making it the fastest and most exciting medium-sized sports saloon of its day.
This matching-numbers 2002 Turbo is an outstanding representation of the rarely seen Bavarian model. This example has been beautifully restored by one of the world’s marque experts to concours condition throughout, with only test mileage driven since completion. Restored in Chamonix White paint with Turbo red and blue graphics, this 2002 Turbo looks as it did when delivered new to Sicily, Italy, where it was sold new. The car was stripped to bare metal and every component was refinished in the appropriate coating as it left the factory. The matching-numbers 2.0L M10 engine has been rebuilt, as well as the rest of the drivetrain. The undercarriage is finished in the same quality as the top side, with painted floors and every bolt replated. Accompanying this special example are a comprehensive restoration dossier and ownership history from new.
Built for drivers who demanded both performance and character, the 2002 Turbo delivered razor-sharp handling and raw turbocharged power in a compact, driver-focused package. With only 1,672 units produced, it remains a rare and highly sought-after classic that helped pave the way for BMW’s future M cars.
