Highlights
- Rare UK supplied Baur Cabriolet, believed to be one of just 93 produced in right-hand drive
- Benefits from copious recent expenditure, reportedly exceeding £12,000
- A very usable example, that’s really presentable without being too pristine to enjoy
The Appeal
Renowned for their excellent road manners and elegant styling, it isn’t surprising that 02 Series BMWs are so highly prized by enthusiasts. The 2002 was conceived as the sporting model and the fuel injected tii was to be the ultimate naturally aspirated version.
We’re delighted to offer something really rather rare: a 1974 2002 tii Baur Cabriolet. Utilising a curious targa roof arrangement known as a ‘cabrio coach’, Baur’s conversions retained the rigidity conventional convertibles inherently lack, while still offering the enjoyable open top experience.
This particular right-hand drive 2002 was supplied new to the UK, making it a particularly rare machine. It’s presented in very good, usable condition and a great deal has apparently been spent upon it. If you’re looking for an eminently presentable, lesser seen classic BMW, don’t miss this excellent opportunity.
The History and Paperwork
- Believed to be one of just 93 2002 Baur Cabriolets produced in right-hand drive
- First registered on 16th October 1974
- The vendor informs us that the VIN suggests this to be the second facelifted car to leave the production line
- Later exported to Guernsey, where it lived until 2005 when it returned to the British mainland
- Retains its original colour - Golf Yellow
- V5C present
- Supplied with two sets of keys
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing due to its age and the last test expired in June 2022
- An owner’s manual and copy of the original UK sales brochure all also said to be supplied with the car
- The vendor informs us that the car is accompanied by a sizeable history file containing numerous invoices and assorted documentation
- We understand that it has been subject to copious recent work on the mechanicals and roof, with expenditure apparently totalling £12,310
The Interior
- Largely original and well presented
- Seats repaired and retrimmed where necessary
- Pleasing patination evident in places
The vendor draws our attention to the originality of this BMW’s interior and we note that it exhibits some charming patination, but no excessive wear or damage.
We’re informed that the seats have been repaired and retrimmed where necessary and, as a result, they’re in very good condition. The front seats look to be particularly smart, with no sagging to the vinyl or any splits that we could discern. The rears look to be very original and so display a little more wear but no damage. So too, the vinyl on the door cards looks to be in really good shape, with some very light wear.
The carpeting shows its age a little with a few small marks and some slight discolouration, but it remains eminently serviceable. The same goes for the inside of the boot, which presents nicely.
The dashboard looks to be in great shape and, with the exception of the heater which is currently defective, we understand that everything works as it should. The instrumentation and clock remain clearly legible and the switchgear appears in good order. There’s some gentle wear to the controls, but this is not especially noticeable and the veneers appear in really good original condition.
The Exterior
- Retains its original colour - Golf Yellow
- Straight bodywork with no obvious signs of corrosion or damage
- Smart trim with few marks
- Refurbished wheels with new tyres fitted
- Baur ‘cabrio coach’ roof arrangement in good order with new roof material
Hailing from an era when BMW design was amongst the best in the world, this 2002 is an immensely handsome car and we feel the unusual Baur roof arrangement is rather elegant. The Golf Yellow paintwork looks incredibly smart, with very few blemishes besides the odd superficial chip and scratch. Besides a slightly larger chip on the inside edge of the offside rear wheel arch, we couldn’t see any corrosion to the bodywork. The vendor comments that it’s generally in very good order, just pointing out a blemish on the driver’s door. We understand the underside to be really smart too.
The aforementioned roof functions well, with a soft top rear section and solid targa panel above the front occupants. The vendor informs us that the fabric is new and thus, in excellent shape. The period-correct steel wheels have apparently been refurbished and are now shod with new Uniroyal tyres. All the trim looks great, with just a few small dents here and there, but no excessive pitting or missing pieces we could detect.
The Mechanics
- 2.0-litre fuel injected four-cylinder engine
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- The exhaust system is said to be relatively new
- Reportedly starts, runs and drives impeccably
The vendor informs us that the following work has been carried out recently:
- Comprehensive fuel injection overhaul with new injectors and a refurbished pump
- A full service has been carried out, with every oil seal gasket, pipe and clip renewed
- The brakes have been overhauled and the radiator re-cored
The 2.0-litre M10 engine is rightly revered by enthusiasts, and with fuel injection provides this BMW with tractable performance, accessed by a smooth manual gearbox. The aforementioned recent work apparently cost £12,310 and the vendor reports that the car now starts, runs and drives beautifully with no issues to report. It presents immensely well under the bonnet, with evidence of numerous new parts.
Summary
It isn’t often that a 2002 Baur Cabriolet is offered for sale, so ensure this is not an opportunity you let pass you by.
This is a nicely presented example, mechanically sorted and not too pristine to enjoy. We urge you to consider becoming this BMW’s next owner.
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.
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