Sold from 1968 through 1976, the BMW 2002 emerged as the company’s definitive automobile, its lightweight and lively driving dynamics was a template for every model that followed. Furthermore, the car’s overwhelming success was instrumental in establishing the German automaker in North America.

Since the debut of the 2002’s predecessor, the highly successful 1600 series introduced in 1966, influential American importer Max Hoffman had been pressing BMW for a more powerful version. The Euro-spec 1600 Ti, with its enhanced, dual-carbureted M10 inline four-cylinder engine, did not meet US exhaust emissions, but a 2.0-liter version of that same engine in the 2000 coupe did. As it so happened, there was already movement afoot within BMW to drop a 2.0-liter into the 1600, with both Helmut Werner Bönsch, director of product planning, and Alex von Falkenhausen, designer of the venerable M10 engine, having modified their own personal 1600s with 2.0-liters, completely independently of each other. With their combined influence and the support of BMW sales director Paul Hahnemann, the 2002 became a reality.

Two versions were available at launch in 1968, a base 2002 model with a single carburetor producing 99 horsepower, and a 2002 Ti model featuring dual carburetors and higher compression good for 118 horsepower. A more powerful fuel-injected Tii model would replace the Ti in 1971.

The lovely 1970 2002 Ti offered here, finished in vibrant orange, was acquired out of Sweden in 2017 and imported to the United States. Part of a notable collection of BMWs, it benefited from mechanical recommissioning in 2018, including the suspension, brakes, exhaust, fuel delivery system, and drive shaft, among various other components. New tires and engine mounts were also installed at this time, while the fuel pump was replaced in 2019. Invoices for the work are on file for review.

With its period, basket-weave alloy wheels and driving lights, this 2002 Ti strikes a sporty stance and will make for a highly enjoyable driving companion for its next lucky owner.