BMW 2002 FAQ

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[quote="Delia"][quote="rijco"]Well, for me the issue is a little different - I'm not opposed to modern reliability. What I get excited about is the iconic styling and feel of some older cars. So, while I generally wouldn't consider molesting the exterior, I would entertain upgrades to the mechanicals.

I've been involved in architecture, building and development my whole life, including a stint with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and I still get excited about how design and form play with function, whether its architecture, furniture, cars, or nature.

So, that's my context for this decision.  Preserve the form and feel, but give the car the benefits of upgraded mechanicals as long as it doesn't completely ruin the original "gestalt" of the car.  I mean, is anyone actually running on original shocks?  How about tires?  Not likely. There is a fuzzy line here that always gets crossed between preservation, reuse and restoration.  The question is, how far over the line makes sense.  How far can you go without losing the soul of the object you are attempting to honor?[/quote]

The BMW 2002 is a recognized icon of mid-century design and engineering.  Having analyzed the concept and engineering drawings during my own design education, it should be noted the design and styling cues have a decidedly Bauhaus influence.  The canted overhead-cam engine is a marvel of engineering prowess.

Because I've been driving and modifying 2002s since 1972, and even purchased a NEW one in 1975 -- when it came time to purchase another in 2001 -- finding an unmolested example was quite difficult.  And though my '73tii wasn't a cream puff or unmodified, it had some tasteful, period upgrades that didn't detract from the 2002 driving experience.  Over the past few years, I didn't try to return it to stock, but made an effort to preserve. or conserve it's vintage-modified equipment and appearance -- something that's proven to be a far move daunting task than I could have ever imagined. It is if nothing else, an exercise in restraint.

My '74tii has the more typical 14" wheel/tire upgrades, tiny steering wheel, and Ireland Engineering Stage I Springs with Bilstein HDs.  I can say that as much as I like my '74tii daily driver, my heart belongs to my '73tii with it's tiny 13" Minilites and nearly-stock sized 185/70-13 Bridgestones.  It's as close to the experience I remember from my first 2002 drive back in 1972.

At A1 Imports in San Rafael, where I work/hang out, JP is doing a number of modified 2002s with M10s, S14s, M20s and megasquirt FI systems.  They all have big wheels/tires and stiff suspensions; some of them have coilovers and huge brakes.  While these are anything-but-stock, I think their owners would argue that they *still* are within the fuzzy line as an homage to the original concept.

The retro New Beetle and New Mini?  THOSE are soul-less!

Me?  I'm just a Designer/ex-College Professor, living in the Bay Area, passionate about 2002s.

Cheers!

Delia[/quote]

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