Highlights
- Professionally restored
- Warsteiner rally replica
- Many motorsport upgrades
- New twin-barrel Weber 45s
- New bucket seats and harnesses
The Appeal
The 2002 was an era-defining vehicle for BMW. With wide commercial success and the Tii and Turbo models taking the motorsport world by storm, it’s little wonder they still hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors all over the world.
This car’s owner, after acquiring the vehicle in 2019 as a restoration project, has embarked upon a ‘ground-up’ refurbishment, with the aim of creating a period rally replica. The results speak for themselves, with the classic Warsteiner livery harkening back to the glory days of late 70s / early 80s motorsport. With numerous motorsport upgrades, a rebuilt engine and refurbished drivetrain, this handsome little race car is ready to go racing.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in March 1973
- Eight owners from new
- Current owner since August 2019
- Purchased as a restoration project
- Completed in 2022 and not driven on the road since
- Please note, the car is still registered as ‘red’ on the DVLA database, so they will need to be made aware of the colour change
- 63,442 miles indicated
- Qualifies for ‘Historic vehicle status’
- Ideal for track days, historic circuit racing or hill climbs
- Complete with numerous invoices detailing the work carried out
The Interior
- New Sparco bucket seats
- New Securon four-point harnesses
- Safety Devices rear roll cage
The deeply bolstered Sparco fixed-back seats are the perfect way to be hugged into position when attacking apexes. Finished in black leather with contrast white stitching, they look very smart indeed, with no hints of wear or damage. They’re complemented with bright blue Securon four-point harnesses, which are also newly fitted.
For lightness, both of the door cards have been replaced with aluminium panels, clad in Alcantara, and the door handles have been replaced with Motamec fabric pulls. The dark headlining has also been refreshed and looks to be new, with no signs of sagging or damage we could see. Although this is a replica race car, there are some concessions to comfort, with the carpets having been retained. New dark grey carpet runs through the cabin and should make the car reasonably livable should the new owner wish to use it as a regular road car.
The original switchgear and controls have been largely retained, although the steering column trim and centre section of the steering wheel is missing. Otherwise the trim is in reasonably good order, with some wear and tear commensurate with the car’s age.
The boot has likewise been finished with grey carpet, and also contains a full-size spare wheel and the fuel tank.
The Exterior
- Restored bodyshell
- Resprayed in gloss white
- Warsteiner race livery
- New wheels and tyres
We’re told by the vendor that the entire bodyshell has been stripped and media-blasted, before any welding was carried out. The shell has been restored where necessary, wide wheel arches and deep front valance fitted, then it was resprayed in white and finished with a period Warsteiner livery. All the work was completed in 2022 and the vendor tells us they have not used the car on the road since.
The paintwork looks to be in fine condition, with no notable damage or issues we could see. Similarly, the bodywork presents in good order, with no corrosion or damage apparent. The vendor notes that the vinyl graphics are lifting in one or two places and may benefit from some refitment.
All of the trim and brightwork that remains looks to be in decent condition. There are a few marks and some light pitting to some of the chrome as it is original, but this hardly detracts from the car’s quality. The holes for fitting a passenger wing mirror and the rear bumper are still present and correct, should the new owner wish to source and refix them.
New ‘basket weave’ style two-piece wheels have been fitted. They are 15-inch items with gold centres, polished barrels and lips. Again, they show well, being in good order with just a few minor marks and scuffs to be seen. They are shod in a matched set of Toyo Proxes tyres.
Underneath the car presents very well indeed, looking clean and straight, with no evidence we could see of damage or corrosion to the floors, sills or drivetrain components.
The Mechanics
- Complete engine overhaul
- New twin Weber 45s
- Drivetrain refurbished
- Many new and restored ancillaries
Popping this 2002’s bonnet, you’re presented with a very clean and tidy engine bay, which is lovely to see. Much work has clearly gone in to making the car as mechanically robust as possible. The vendor tells us that the engine, brakes, suspension and steering have all been completely overhauled. New hoses and braided, stainless steel fuel lines and a bright red strut brace certainly add a dash of polish to the engine bay.
A new brace of twin-barrel Weber 45 carburettors has been fitted too. Along with the custom stainless steel exhaust, it should make for an incredible induction noise and exhaust note.
We’re assured by the vendor that the car runs just as it should, with no leaks, smoke or other issues they are aware of.
Summary
Evocative, well finished and with some lovely motorsport touches, whether you’re after a new track car or something exciting for adrenaline-fuelled weekend drivers, this 2002 fits the bill.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
