Getting behind the wheel of a mint 1972 BMW 2002 tii is an expertise few can declare, and one which I just lately had the pleasure of on the Targa 66 occasion held at Homestead Miami. This car, with its price ticket of round 12,000 Deutsche Marks in 1972 (equal to $4,000 on the time), provides a singular mix of historical past, rawness and driving pleasure that’s extraordinarily uncommon. This specific 1972 2002 tii was in mint situation and painted in a lovely Baikal colour, a subdued hue of blue which appears elegant and premium.

Outdated College Engineering

With solely a few hours left earlier than my flight, I’m excited to take this basic for a fast spin. BMW of North America arms me the keys and as quickly as I step inside, nostalgia kicks in. I obtained within the driver’s seat and felt the weird massive, three-spoke vinyl steering wheel in my arms. I turned the important thing and heard the engine roar to life. It seemed like music to my ears. I put it in gear and drove off, desirous to see what it may do.

The very first thing I observed was how easy and responsive the automobile was. With 140 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque at its disposal, the 2002 tii doesn’t simply drive—it dances on the street. It’s a mix of uncooked and old fashioned driving dynamics, with the engine sound coming in unfiltered. Regardless of the seemingly modest output by trendy requirements, this automobile was a powerhouse in its period. It may run to 60 mph in 8.20 seconds and had a high pace of 120 mph. Not unhealthy for a automobile from the 70s!

The important thing to its spirited efficiency lies within the Kugelfischer mechanical gasoline injection system, which gives exact gasoline metering in any respect rpm ranges. Based on older technical paperwork, this innovation allowed for aggressive cam timing with out compromising the automobile’s low-rpm driveability. The 1972 2002 tii additionally has stiffer springs than the common 2002, entrance and rear anti-sway bars, bigger entrance disc brakes and wheels.

Touring Again In Time

I don’t have a direct comparability to the unique 2002 because it has been some time I’ve pushed one, however on the street, the automobile’s revised chassis, driveline, and engine elements work effectively collectively to ship a really analog engineering package deal. The 2002 tii’s gearbox, with its nearer ratio 4-speed guide transmission, provides a tactile, participating driving expertise. The candy spot of the engine’s energy band lies from about 3500 to 5000 rpm, the place the automobile felt most alive. The gasoline pedal is sort of responsive and the agency brake pedal is one other nod to the previous earlier than ABS.

There’s a slight understeer, attribute for BMW automobiles of that period, however when pushed a bit, the rear-end does get looser. In fact, it’s not a neck snapping automobile, however fairly a automobile with a really easy and managed driving expertise that’s extraordinarily satisfying. Sadly, there have been no curvy roads across the Homestead Speedway, other than a pair enjoyable corners. Due to this fact, I couldn’t actually put the automobile by its paces, however I can already see this 2002 tii being loads of enjoyable carving some mountain bends.

Iconic Design

The design inside out is minimalistic and easy with clear shapes. The defining characteristic of the 2002 tii is the bath sill line. This design component, highlighted by chrome trim alongside the door crease, doubles because the closure line for each the hood and trunk. The small, vertical kidney grilles nod to BMW’s previous and heritage. What fascinates me in regards to the 2002 fashions is the design of the lights. The spherical headlights and taillights are instantly identifiable as being a part of the BMW design language. Naturally, the long-lasting C-pillar Hofmeister Kink is there.

Inside, leather-based dominates this ethereal and stylish cabin, giving the 2002 tii an expensive look. Aside from the seat body, there isn’t a lot chrome inside this automobile. As a substitute, you will see high-quality plastic trims than mix in properly with the black leather-based. There’s a central clock additionally which is exclusive to the tii mannequin.

The fan and lights are operated by knobs, one thing that I completely miss seeing in trendy BMWs. The BMW 2002 tii additionally excels by way of visibility, due to the skinny A, B, and C-pillars. It felt practically not possible to seek out any blind spots. The rubber-neck shifter boot can be cool.

One of the crucial compelling points of the 2002 fashions is their historic significance. As a precursor to the fashionable 3 Sequence, it bought greater than 860,000 items worldwide earlier than being changed in 1977. And now, BMW is as soon as once more able to make historical past with a brand new technology of Neue Klasse fashions.

Spending a day with the 1972 BMW 2002 tii on the Targa 66 occasion was not only a check drive; it was an expertise—a journey again in time, and a reminder of what makes basic automobiles so particular. The 2002 tii stands as a testomony to BMW’s legacy of crafting automobiles that aren’t solely forward of their time but in addition timeless of their attraction.