Wanted   Do you have a passion for antiques and collectibles - and writing?   The Wayback Times invites you to submit freelance articles for use in print and on our new web site.   E-mail your text submissions to The Wayback Times.   Articles published in The Wayback Times since 1995 have covered a wide range of interests, from Golliwoggs to toy VW collecting, and from collecting insulators to hunting old books.   Most authors of our online selection of articles have included their e-mail addresses and they are always delighted to hear from other collectors.

Ad Rates / Articles / Classified Ads / Editorial / Home / Links / Showtime   Wayback Wheels - Vintage Car Talk   BMW innovations suited 1960s drivers on numerous fronts   By Aaron Neilly In the late 60s, practicality and fun were two items that didn't often come together in the automotive world. Sure, there were overpowered muscle cars, but they were fuel thirsty, and almost entirely designed for straight-line performance. There were small European convertibles, but most only sat two and had no trunk space.   This was a market niche that BMW recognized and took advantage of, definitely contributing to the success of the company today. It was at the Geneva Motor Show in early 1966 that BMW introduced a small car called the 1600-2, based on a four-door car of theirs (the 1600), but a foot shorter and in coupe form with only two doors.   The car was lightweight, economical, sat four and had a large trunk. The 1600-2 sold well, but BMW decided to replace it with an upgraded model in 1968 ... enter the legendary 2002 model.   The 2002 had been designed as a "touring saloon to meet exacting regulations under all traffic conditions," not as a sports car, although automotive publications and purchasers of the car would say otherwise. Styling was unique, with a trunk lid nearly as long as the hood, a seemingly paper thin roof, over an almost disproportionate looking passenger compartment, due to the tall glass area. BMW wanted to ensure maximum visibility and the car was designed to seat four adults comfortably.   Early 2002s were the most elegant looking of the vehicles, featuring thin, chrome bumpers, bright anodized aluminum grillwork and trim and small round tail lamps. Later, in 1973, safety regulations would require larger, square tail lamps and eventually larger aluminum bumpers that heavily detracted from the look of the car.   These models also had very "European controls" and almost no effort was made to make these cars "compatible" for North American purchasers. The turn signal stalk was on the right hand side of the steering column, most dashboard labels were in German and five-speed models featured a "dogleg" shift pattern that definitely took some getting used to.   The interior was functional, yet attractive. The vinyl seats were fully adjustable, including the headrests. The dashboard kept everything within reach of the driver and the almost school bus sized steering wheel allowed the driver to sit in a very comfortable position, which was great on long drives.   These cars featured fairly complete instrumentation, with an optional tachometer, dashboard clock and resettable trip odometer.   As a small car, with 100 horsepower coming from the overhead cam 2 litre engine, it was no slouch to drive. Fully independent suspension at all four corners, front disc brakes and MacPherson struts with stabilizer bars kept the cars glued to the road at high speeds. This was it; a practical car that was an absolute joy to drive.   Motorsport enthusiasts quickly caught on to this and the 2002 found many victories in several forms of auto racing, and even scored an international victory in the rally world. BMW wanted to take advantage of the car's success in racing and in 1973 unveiled a turbocharged version of the 2002 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 2002 Turbo featured colourful body striping, wide fender flares, a front air dam, rear spoiler and best of all ... a turbocharged engine with an impressive 170 horsepower. The turbo model was short lived, though, as fears of a fuel shortage killed the model off after only 1,672 of them were built.   As a classic car, a 2002 is truly delightful to own. They are one of a few classics which can be enjoyed with very little maintenance and be driven "in an enthusiastic manner" (as the owner's manual states) as you would with a modern car. As with any car of this era, watch for rust, and if you are in doubt, have a mechanic who is familiar with classic cars check it over for you. I drive my '72 2002 a minimum of 100 km a week and it is a truly rewarding experience... you'll be smiling wherever you go.   Aaron Neilly is a certified mechanic with a passion for anything unique with four wheels and an engine. He spends a large amount of time in cars, under cars and discussing cars. He can be reached at bandicoot.rally@gmail.com .   Return to top of page   This Is Livin' Publishing © 2009 581 8th Line West, RR1 Hastings, ON, K0L 1Y0 Phone/Fax: 705-696-1833   webmaster