1972 BMW 2002tii Restored Verona 72,000 Miles NO RESERVE

Description

1972 BMW 2002tii

Verona Red Exterior (024)

Black Vinyl Interior

72,000 Original Miles

M10 2-Liter 4-Cylinder Engine Rebuilt

Top End Performance Cam and Head

4-Speed Manual Transmission

2002 Turbo Steering Wheel

Factory Air Conditioning Car (Deleted, but Included)

Comprehensive Restoration

Original Motor Included

All Original Parts Included

13-Inch Alloy Wheels

Avon Radial Tires

13-Inch Steel Wheels w/ Hubcabs

Background

The BMW 02 Series sedans were defining models for BMW. Smaller and lighter than the Neue Klasse sedans they were derived from, the 02 set the stage for the stalwart BMW 3 Series. It was the lens through which a generation of Americans discovered BMW and passed down that enthusiasm to their children. The best of the 02 Series was the 2002, powered by the 2-liter version of the 4-cylinder M10 engine, and the best of the 2002s was the “tii”—Touring Injected International. The 2002tii was a pure driver’s car with everything that you needed and nothing that you didn’t. At its release in 1972, Car and Driver called it “…the essence of motoring truth: no strobe stripes, no phony teardrop racing mirrors, no triple turret taillights. Just finely honed machinery in the simplest steel and glass case.” Some forty years later, those words have only become more relevant as BMW has shifted from a driver’s brand to a technology brand. The 2002tii improved upon the regular 2002 with upgraded suspension, brakes, and different gearing, but at its heart was a hot 130-horsepower fuel injected version of the M10 engine. That “finely honed machinery” produced plenty of buttery torque down low, but screamed above 4000 rpms in a way few cars could match. It was capable of 55 mph in second gear (indicated by the max speeds per gear ticks on the speedometer) and a top speed of 115 mph—all in a simple, comfortable, innocuous two-door sedan that you could drive you mother to church in.

Summary

This 1972 Verona Red 2002tii has proven that it is indeed capable of that 115 mph top speed despite its only having four gears, which was dutifully noted by Colorado’s finest when the current owner conducted his own field test. After a stern warning (and likely reprieve from the end-of-shift paperwork that such an infraction requires) the officer stated that if he had a Verona Red 2002tii, he would likely be tempted to do his own research. That’s because the 2002tii brings out the inner hooligan in everyone who sits behind the wheel—you just can’t help it!

This example was confirmed by BMW Classic to have been manufactured on February 1st, 1972 and imported to the US through Hoffman Motors on February 11. From there Classic BMW in Richardson, Texas sold it to its first owner. The trail of its history picks up again in 1984, still in Texas, with the third owner who purchased it from a grad student. He used it for three to four years before parking it in his garage for the next twenty-five years due to a back injury. In 2008 he sold it to Select Classics of Dallas, TX as part of a bundle with a Sunbeam Tiger, who then sold it to the previous owner. That owner was a 2002tii collector who set about restoring it with no less than $60,000 of receipts (all included in a 2.5-inch binder included with the sale). The work included a complete body respray in the original Verona Red, interior items such as a headliner, dashboard, carpet kit, and a virtually complete mechanical restoration.

The current owner purchased it in 2014 and took the restoration to the next level. He finished it by replacing lots of trim bits and rubber seals, suspension rubber, an operable period-correct Blaupunkt radio, restoring the clock with solid-state internals, and rebuilding the shifter assembly. The factory air conditioning and air conditioning center console were removed and replaced with non-air conditioning parts (all original parts are included). He then sourced a set of 13” alloy wheels from BMW Heritage, but the stock “steelies” and hubcaps are included and in excellent shape. Despite being rebuilt by the previous owner, the original motor had excessive timing chain rattle due to the head being decked too far. Old-school BMW specialist Mark Hutto replaced it with another 1972 tii motor from a car that was just 303 VIN digits later than his car. The replacement motor had 10,000 miles since being rebuilt. This motor includes performance upgrades in the form of a Top End Performance 284 camshaft and head featuring upgraded components. The original numbers-matching motor is included with the sale, along with all other significant original parts.

Both the previous owners and current owner have done considerable research to trace the mileage and the consensus is that it is original. I verified this in my due-diligence in accepting the car as a consignment. A history of email conversations, along with all records receipts, is included with the car and are organized chronologically in a 3-ring binder. As a result of this stewardship this is one of the best 2002tii’s on the market. It is a turn-key car, ready to be driven across the country.

Exterior

The Verona paint is exceptionally presentable. It is an older repaint, but it looks original (in a good way). The masking lines are very well blended in the door jams and require significant searching to find under the hood. A paint gauge report is posted in the pictures. Overall the paint condition is very good. Even close examination reveals only minor imperfections. There are very light swirl marks and just a few minor chips and pits on the lower front spoiler. All trim is intact and in good condition. It is original, but matches the overall patina of the car well. The headlight, indicator, and brake light lenses are in good condition and crack-free with minimal UV fade. The windshield glass has no cracks, and the side window and rear glass are in good shape. The windshield wiper arms and inserts are in excellent condition; the speed fairing on the driver’s side wiper is present. The alloy wheels are perfect. They have no bends andor no curb rash and the center caps are present with crystal clear Roundel emblems. Fresh Avon radial tires are mounted with lots of tread remaining. The steelie wheels and hubcaps are also in excellent shape with good rubber.

Interior

The interior is in excellent shape. Open the door and you greeted by the perfect 2002 smell—classic vinyl with a hint of gasoline. The dashboard, center console, door cards, headliner, and carpet kits have been replaced; the seats are original. There are no odors—other than that wonderful 2002 smell—and it has never been smoked in. The carpet has no stains or tears. It is covered by Coco floor mats. The front seats are in very good shape. The only imperfection is one tear in the driver’s seat bottom cushion. The fore / aft, forward folding and recline functions all work correctly. The only imperfection on the rear seat is a scuff on the lower center backrest. The door cards are in excellent shape, with no scuffs, delamination, or missing trim bits. The “scissor” door handles are quintessentially classic BMW. The window regulators work smoothly and quietly. The dashboard is free of cracks and has no UV fade. The 3-spoke Turbo steering wheel leather is in very good shape with no glaring wear or failed stitching. The original tii steering wheel is included with the sale and is also in good shape. All instruments work including the clock, which has been rebuilt with solid-state internals. The odometer just crossed 72,000 miles as I write this. The air conditioning center console has been replaced with a non-air conditioning console including the correct BMW Blaupunkt AM / FM stereo. It works perfectly. The heat blows warm and all controls function correctly. The blower motor is quiet. The headliner looks fantastic, but it is sagging (evenly). I’m 6’2” and my head barely touches with the seat back unreclined. The trunk flooring panels are present, as are the spare tire and jack underneath. A factory owner’s manual, service booklets, and two sets of keys are included with the car.

Mechanical

The records and invoices dating to 2008 show extensive mechanical restoration and are included with the sale. Since living in Colorado it has always been attended to by the expert hands of BMW specialist Mark Hutto. Mark did the motor swap, air conditioning delete, and lots of other odds and ends in addition to regular services. Brad Penn 20W-50 oil has always been used with regular oil change intervals. Several extra quarts are included with the sale, along with Mann filters. In addition to the original engine, air conditioning parts, many spares are also included with the sale. The lot fills two large 55-gallon tubs in addition to the original wheels and tires.

The M10 fires on command on cold or hot starts. It idles smoothly and pulls very strongly to redline. The transmission shifts perfectly smooth and the shifter bushings are crisp and tight. The clutch take-up is correct. The suspension is firm and compliant, and the brakes are strong, with lots of pad thickness and rotor run-out remaining. There are no driveline or wheel bearing noises or vibrations. It passes emissions in Colorado. The current owner encouraged me to spend some time behind the wheel in order to properly assess the car, and it is by far the nicest 2002 I have ever driven. It feels and drives very much like it did when Max Hoffman imported it in 1972.

Glen Shelly is a low volume auto brokerage focused only on the highest quality vehicles. We are two airline pilots, mechanics, and auto enthusiasts who bring a high level of professionalism and attention to detail to the automobile business. Our philosophy is to keep our inventory small so that we can focus on thorough mechanical and cosmetic preparation of the vehicles we select. We have over 20 years of experience restoring and repairing automobiles and are intimately familiar with our cars. We do the inspections, service, detailing, and corrective maintenance using only OEM parts and service manuals. We offer an informed and low-pressure sales environment resulting in a premium buying experience. Find out more about us at www.Glenshelly.com.