First showing in 1966, the BMW 02 sequence was designed with extra sporting intent than the Neue Klasse sedan that preceded it.

Producing 118hp within the 2002 Tii (and a stonking 170hp within the Turbo) the 2002 packed efficiency far higher than its diminutive proportions instructed, so motorsport success got here shortly.

Automotive expertise has advanced significantly within the 50-odd years because the 02’s heyday, however that doesn’t imply you may’t have the perfect of each worlds. Joe Priest‘s BMW 2002 is a shining instance.

When Joe rolled into Eastwood Park at the newest Queen Sq. Automobile Membership meet held simply exterior of Bristol, I knew his ’74 2002 warranted a more in-depth look.

I might simply discuss Joe’s BMW in isolation, however a automobile by nature is an extension of its proprietor. I genuinely get pleasure from speaking to the custodians of fascinating vehicles, discovering out why they’ve chosen the this explicit make and mannequin, these wheels and that engine. Studying these items provides an perception into the journey and sometimes a far higher appreciation for the automobile itself. With that in thoughts, the primary query I all the time ask is a straightforward one: ‘Why this automobile?’

Joe talked about seeing a BMW 2002 frequent the identical monitor days he ran his EF Honda CR-X at over 15 years in the past, and at the moment vowed to sooner or later personal one thing related himself.

There are a couple of frequent routes Joe might have taken, however in the end the BMW ticked all the best packing containers. It wanted to be distinctive, dependable and fast, and since Joe is a household man, a again seat was a should too.

The 2002 match the invoice completely. Or at the very least it would with some choose upgrades…

Joe knew it might take an entire lot of cash to construct up the 2002’s unique M10 engine to trendy efficiency ranges, so he opted to go down a unique route altogether. The two.0L DOHC VTEC F20C from a Honda S2000 was chosen for its high-revving, naturally aspirated traits, and it enhances the automobile fantastically.

Due to an Emerald ECU and LA Fabrication exhaust – full with octopus-style manifold – the engine places down a wholesome 252hp. Pairing this with the S2000’s 6-speed gearbox and an E30 BMW M3 restricted slip differential out again makes for spectacular efficiency.

The Japanese inspiration continues with 15-inch Work Meister S1 2-piece wheels tucked underneath the arches of the 2002 Turbo physique package. Future plans are to have the ‘turbo’ wording within the iconic facet graphics modified to ‘Honda’, hinting at what lies underneath the bonnet.

Guaranteeing the 2002 has the dealing with prowess to match its newfound energy, the suspension has been utterly revised with Gaz coilovers, Tii entrance arms, E30 M3 rear trailing arms and adjustable high mounts.

The sluggish to stability the go is dealt with by Wilwood callipers and 2-piece entrance rotors, a rear disc brake conversion, plus Carbotech pads all spherical.

Joe’s BMW does every little thing – the each day commute, auto checks, monitor days, and highway journeys, together with a journey across the North Coast 500 in Scotland. It didn’t miss a beat the complete time, and did the 618-mile jaunt residence in a single stint, Joe solely stopping for gasoline.

Having a appropriate inside for such journeys was important. Basic Recaro entrance reclining seats, a re-trimmed rear bench, Momo Prototipo steering wheel, deep-pile carpets and Dynamat all through imply lengthy drives are accomplished in relative consolation.

Regardless of there being a couple of different vehicles occupying house in Joe’s storage – together with an extremely clear Datsun 240Z and a first-gen Mazda MX-5 with 320hp – his goal is to drive the 2002 as a lot as attainable. Joe is attaining his objective too, having coated simply shy of 10,000 miles within the automobile during the last 12 months.

Every thing I’ve talked about above I’d by no means have identified had I not spoken to Joe. So the following time a automobile catches your eye, go over and discuss to the proprietor. On the very least you’ll discover out extra concerning the automobile; at finest you’ll perceive the way it got here to be what it’s in the present day.

Chaydon Ford
Instagram: chaycore

Joe Priest’s 1974 BMW 2002

Engine: Honda S2000 F20C 2.0L DOHC VTEC, Okay&N induction, LA Fabrication customized header & 2.75-inch exhaust system, WFP600 swirl pot with built-in gasoline pump, Rally Weld Fabrications aluminium radiator & pipework, Spal fan, Emerald ECU mapped by J.Cal

Driveline: Honda S2000 6-speed guide gearbox, E30 BMW M3 3.91 LSD

Suspension & Brakes: Gaz Gold Professional coilovers, E30 M3 trailing arms, modified rear subframe, Tii entrance arms, adjustable high mounts, Weichers strut brace, sustom rear strut brace, electrical energy steering conversion, Powerflex bushes all through, Wilwood callipers & floating 2-piece discs entrance, Carbotech pads, rear disc conversion, CarBuilder brake servo conversion, stainless-steel braided brake strains

Wheels & Tyres: 15-inch Work S1 2-piece wheels, 195/50R15 Toyo Proxes TR1 tyres

Exterior: Interval-correct 2002 Turbo arches, boot spoiler & entrance airdam, BMW Titan Silver paint, unique chrome trim sourced & refinished, US-spec 2002 headlamps

Inside: Recaro entrance seats, rear bench trimmed to match by Sew Good Upholstery, Momo Prototipo steering wheel, quick-release boss package, RMD gauges, AEM air/gasoline ratio meter, customized centre console, customized thick-pile carpet, Dynamat all through inside