by Baron Wilton
posted on August 28, 2023
It’s groovy, baby
Nestled in the hills above the Sunset strip of West Hollywood, you will find a piece of automotive history with a rich and treasured history as storied as the swanky venues below. Paul’s 1976 BMW 2002 is a pristine time capsule from an era distant from the modern distractions of today. For our August car of the month, let’s take a dive into the post-Beatles, American bicentennial era when driving was at its purest form.
1976 BMW 2002
| ENGINE | HORSEPOWER | 0 to 60 MPH | TOP SPEED | MILEAGE | DAILY PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L I4 | 99 hp | 10.3 sec | 106mph | 23 mpg | $200 |
| ENGINE | HP | 0 to 60 MPH | TOP SPEED | MILEAGE | DAILY PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L I4 | 99 hp | 10.3 sec | 106 mph | 23 mpg | $200 |
One look at the glistening Fjord Blue classic paint and you feel the charm that this largely untouched legend beholds. The 2002 was BMW’s first introduction to the compact sedan market. It was the more economical choice than the larger, executive “Neue Klasse” sedans of BMW but sported much of the same design in a compact two liter engine. Weighing just over 2,000 lbs, the 2002 is substantially lighter than anything sold today, keeping the coupe nimble and easy to maneuver around town. And at just under 100 horsepower, the 2002 was adequately powerful for its time. Yet, its focus has been on well-balanced, practical design over anything.
The 2002 was always meant to stand out, and in a world of cookie-cutter rides, is a refreshing sight on today’s roads. Paul, who runs his car sharing business as Retro Rides LA, advises that “anyone driving it should be ready for the attention it commands.” The classic sedan features “squarie” taillights, vertical kidney grille, and plenty of chrome from the rims to the roof line. The compact two-door design was unconventional for sedans in the ‘70s, and the Bimmer’s bowed out hood and low stance shows off an aggressive demeanor unlike anything from its competitors.
Heading inside the 2002, you are greeted with deep blue leather to match the exterior complete with cushioned seats and perforated stitching. In front of the original gauges and dials sits the only modification to Paul’s coupe: a sporty steering wheel with bolt applications.
Yet the main highlight of the driver’s seat is the gear shifter standing tall in the center console. It proudly alludes to the BMW’s four-speed manual transmission at the core of the authentic ride, which prefers to shift slowly and dramatically as the 2002 kicks up the speed. Driving through the captivating sights of Tinseltown, you’ll want to crank open the windows, listen to the roar of the vintage sports coupe, and take advantage of natural air conditioning and compliments. As Paul mentions, “without fail, someone is yelling ‘Nice 2002!’”
The 2002 was one of the first BMWs to earn a cult following, much of which is a result of the coupe’s balanced and rewarding drive. With a solid frame, supportive suspension, and grippy tires, the 2002 is both an exciting and a dependable ride that grounds the driver to the road without the overwhelming sensation of race car-level power. The rear-wheel-drive coupe was built to reveal the art of driving and charm of German automotive engineering to the masses at the same cost as America’s Chevy Impala. Consequently, the 2002 holds a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts both past and present.
As you open the doors to the 2002, you instantly step into classic Hollywood with a car as deeply connected to BMW’s motorsport roots as the city is to the burgeoning culture of an evolving Los Angeles. In the heart of America’s car-obsessed community, the 2002 is more of a conversation starter and experience than a typical commute. Head over to West Hollywood to take Paul’s ’76 2002 for a spin and create your own memorable stories. Aviators and bell-bottoms not included.
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Baron Wilton
Baron is a walking encyclopedia of car facts. His favorite sport is behind the wheel of his Jaguar F-Type, which he drives more in the canyons of SoCal than on the streets.
