In BMW circles, the 2002 Turbo is known as “The Holy Grail.” A powerful and visually arresting automobile, it was akin to a holiday firework that burst upon the automotive world and then vanished, a victim of the 1974 fuel crisis that all but killed demand for performance cars. Only 1,660 examples were produced, though very few extant 2002 Turbos can claim such well-documented history and exquisite presentation as this one.

An accompanying BMW Certificate confirms that this Italian-market 2002 Turbo, chassis 4291234, was originally painted in Chamonix with a tricolor Motorsport stripe. Completed in Munich on 16 September 1974, it was then subsequently delivered new to the BMW importer in Palazzolo.

The car’s history is well-documented following its original ownership by a resident of Bolzano in the Italian Alps. Between November 1978 and April 1982, this 2002 Turbo was cared for by two interceding BMW enthusiast owners until its acquisition by Paolo Zambelli in Volano, yet another small village tucked within Italy’s picturesque Sudtirol region.

With Zambelli, chassis 4291234 was registered as “TN262787;” early in his tenure, he loaned the car to Auto Capital magazine for an article published in their February 1986 issue. Zambelli kept chassis 4291234 for more than 40 years before he finally decided to part with it in late 2014; it was quickly sourced for the consignor’s preeminent BMW collection by a Dutch dealer and delivered to him in early 2015.

When acquired, this car had just 60,000 kilometers on its odometer but was showing its age. As such, the consignor undertook an exhaustive regimen of mechanical and cosmetic recommissioning to return this 2002 Turbo to roadgoing excellence.

During his ownership, the car has received more than $85,000 of sorting, with highlights including a new differential, headers, injectors, fuel pump, water pump, and a Petronix ignition upgrade. Complete rebuilds have also been furnished to the car’s engine (alongside new bearings, pistons, and valves), transmission, starter, and KKK turbocharger. The suspension, clutch, and braking system have also been overhauled using OEM components, and although the car did not appear to have been involved in any accidents, its lower rocker panels had rusted through, which necessitated sheet metal work and a glass-out repaint in 2021.

Now fully restored, this exceptional 2002 Turbo would stand out amongst any peers, be that at the track, a local gathering, or a concours event.