The 2002 was the final variant of the E10 “02” series, which began in 1966 with the 1602, This series was built on a shortened version of BMW’s “neue klasse” sedans and coupes which pulled BMW out of financial collapse in the early and mid 1960s and paved the way for the style and fashion of BMW cars to this very day. The neue klasse cars filled a critical gap in BMWs lineup between the motorcycles and economy cars and large engined luxury cars, with engines from 1.5 to 2 liters in displacement. The 02 variants, however, served as a less well appointed, entry level cars for BMW’s lineup. In 1968, the 2002 joined the 1602 to create a more sporting version of the car, utilizing an uprated 2 liter engine and initially came with either a single carburettor, twin carburettors (the ti model), and in 1971, the tii was introduced with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection fitted, giving a futher power boost. The 2002 also was released as a Turbo version, which was BMW’s first foray into turbocharging a production car. Styling on the 2002, as with the earlier neue klasse cars, was penned by Giovanni Michelotti, establishing several key elements that form the foundation of BMW’s design laguage. In 1973, US regulations began to play havoc with the elegant lines of the car, and large 5 mile per hour crash bumpers were fitted, along with larger rectangular tail lights replacing the elegant round tail lights of the earlier cars and a move away from metal trim to plastic for the grille. In 1977, the 2002 was discontinued and replaced with the first cars of the BMW 3 series. This 2002tii is a 1972 model so features the earlier styling and bumpers. It also has the optional factory fitted sunroof. When we purchased it, it was a well maintained, partially restored car, with some signs of wear and a few small mechanical issues needing to be addressed. The differential was worn and loud and the exhaust system fell off the car in the first week that I drove it. In driving, the car had decent power and performance, but long distance cruising, though doable, left the driver wanting a 5th gear, so we opted to replace the gearbox with a later 5 speed and the differential with a limited slip unit out of a BMW 320i. After sorting the range of small issues and having the fuel injection system recalibrated, it is now a reliable, very useable car. Much of the strength of the BMW 2002s is in the design of the greenhouse, with narrow pillars and large windows giving incredibly good visibility in all directions. The trunk is very large, especially for the compact nature of the car and the car is a functionally useable 4 seater. Performance is somewhat sporty for its class of car and handling is overall quite good. The 2002 could easily serve as a daily driver in modern traffic and in general, it is one of the most regularly useable classics in my collection.