SECOND-HAND SENSE: There are lots of classic cars on the market but one, the BMW 2002, is probably the car I would choose if ever I had the time or the inclination to invest in an old one.
There is something about it. When you consider it has been around since the late 1960s, that gives it a timeless appeal and a truly unique style. It is sturdy but elegant, practical but very attractive and most of the ones I have seen recently look like they have enjoyed a loving and expensive relationship with their owners.
It is a timeless car because to this day you can see certain features that have remained with BMW down through the generations. It may look a lot more boxy, angular and higher than today's 3-Series, but a certain profile and lines remain. At the time of its launch BMW was practically gone to the wall and it probably would have, if the man importing BMWs into the US, Max Hoffman, had not managed to convince the company that he would sell a rake of their new cars if only they had a 2-litre engine.The company's response was that the car could not take a 2-litre engine, the original being a 1.6, without engineering a new one for the smaller car. Hoffman cleverly suggested that BMW's existing and bigger 2-litre could do the job. He was right and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today the 2002 remains one of the most appreciated classic cars in the world. The web is alive with histories, owners' club sites, advice, valuations, spare parts, photographs and, in one case, poetry. However, I think you have to be a fan of German design to appreciate the 2002, and what it has most of all is road presence.
I had a brief drive in one a long time ago, just before a friend of mine parted company with his 2002, and emigrated. I have heard he has since been re-united with the 2002 experience in California, where the car was a huge hit. It was a solid car to drive, handled well and had a great gearbox. If you were looking for one today though, you would have to close your mind to all the comforts of modern motoring - the 2002 even has a choke.
There were three versions of the 2002 - the standard 2-litre model, a Touring version which was a small three door hatchback (the name is still in use by BMW for its estate models) and a 2002 Tii version. The Tii version had twin carburettors and increased the speed to about 120 mph, instead of the standard 100 mph or so. All of the technology is, of course, old and dated now but at least that means that repairs can be carried out with a lot less expense than it would cost for a modern 3 Series.
If you were to chose a 2002 then do your homework carefully and get the car well checked. They were, for instance, subject to serious rust. RM Clarke's BMW 2002: A comprehensive guide to the classic sporting saloon is the book you should probably buy before you ever buy the car! There are no crash tests results or up-to-date recall records, but the fact that so many are still running after all these years (production ceased in 1976) says a lot.
There are a few for sale at the moment. A 1975 model with a claimed 16,000 miles is on offer for €10,750, while a 1972 automatic (not a good choice in my view) is on offer at €6,950 with 75,000 on the clock. An unusual Touring version built in 1973 is on sale for €7,950. There are 74,000 miles on the clock.
FOR: So good looking it beats the new BMW 1-Series for road presence. You also qualify for classic car insurance and tax
AGAINST: Dated technology will take up a lot of your quality time. Subject to rust.