Three-quarter rear view of a 1975 BMW 2002 Tii on static display at the 2017 Silverstone Classic
BMW 2002 Tii Of the 02 series, BMW certainly saved the best till last with a model called the 2002 Tii. Launched here in 1973, the 2002 Tii used the same, elegant bodyshell of its two-door relations. And although the shape was utterly familiar by the mid-70s, it hadn’t lost its appeal and still managed to look fresh. Specifically, the slender roof pillars, large glass areas and lithe overall dimensions gave an impression of light weight and no small measure of athletic ability. And for once, looks weren’t deceiving because the 2002 was nothing if not quick and light on its feet. The interior continued the theme with a low scuttle and an airy feel, despite the black plastic used for the dashboard. A standard tachometer backed up the theory that this was a proper driver’s car. You could also argue that the Tii started the whole Euro-look thing with the abolition of just about anything shiny. The grille, for instance, was painted black and much of what would have been chrome on other cars was either painted or finished in stainless steel for a satin look. Power came from a two-litre four-cylinder; a capacity that was considered at the time quite large for such a small car. Even today, two-litres seems a lot of engine for something with the 2002’s exterior dimensions, but BMW wasn’t stopping there. Rather than use carburettors, BMW specified the Tii model with mechanical fuel-injection. Add a single overhead camshaft to that lot, and suddenly you had a genuine hot-rod on your hands. Specifically, the slender roof pillars, large glass areas and lithe overall dimensions gave an impression of light weight and no small measure of athletic ability. And for once, looks weren’t deceiving because the 2002 was nothing if not quick and light on its feet. The interior continued the theme with a low scuttle and an airy feel, despite the black plastic used for the dashboard. A standard tachometer backed up the theory that this was a proper driver’s car.
Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8TN
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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