4 Star Classics

A delightful 2000 touring with low owners and miles. 

MODEL HISTORY

After the success of their Neue Klasse series starting from 1966 and the success of the 2002 range BMW introduced a third body style to the 02 line up that was announced in April 1971 to join the existing saloon and cabriolet types, the Touring. Confusingly BMW decided not to call these cars by the 2002 designation but instead badge them Touring 2000. Not until December 1972 were the model designations changed to reflect the cars obvious place in the 02 family.

The late 60s and early 70s saw a number of attempts to build cars which would combine the practicality or an estate car with the driving appeal of a sports car. The trend began with Renault's 16 of 1965, which failed in the sporting category but was followed by the 1968 Reliant Scimitar GTE that was quickly copied by Volvo with the 1800ES of 1971.

The concept of the BMW touring had originated some time around 1967 after BMW bought out the Glas company. Encouraged by sales director Paul Hahnemann the company began to look into the possibility of building a Touring based on the 02 models. As BMW's own stylists were heavily committed on other projects BMW listed the help from two Italian consultants, Bertone who had shown interest in styling BMWs and Michelotti who had styled the earlier BMW 700-series cars. Their design brief was what BMW described as a 'Combi-Coupe' or Sporting Estate.

Michelotti's proposal was sufficiently interesting for BMW to commission a prototype and while BMW stretched in resources and resistant to put the car into production it was pressure from their dealers envious of the huge sales from the Ford Capri and Opel Manta of the time that pushed BMW into commissioning the Touring into production.

The 2000 Touring was slightly shorter in length than the regular 02 series and had a 3-door coupe body. It was fitted with the much loved, 2.0L four-cylinder M10 engine. This propelled the touring from 0-60 mph in 11 seconds. It was also fitted with fully independent suspension and front disc brakes vastly improving the ride and dynamics of the car.

Equipment

Sports Steering wheel, Heated rear screen, Radio

EXTERIOR

This Touring has been cherished its whole life, the first owner had the car for 35 years. There is no evidence of any corrosion and the wheel arches are still spotlessly clean. The paint finish is flawless with no chips of scratches and has a super smooth finish. All the chrome is very good with no pitting or damage as are all the plastic trims and rubber window seals.

INTERIOR

This 2000 has a lovely blue interior that remains in fantastic condition, the seats show no sign of any significant wear. The original carpets are still in the car and only show the slightest signs of use. The boot is very clean and it still has the retractable boot cover.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

With not a lot of mileage covered the M10 engine fires into life quickly and settles to a good idle with no issues. The car has just had a major service, including oil and filter change, plugs, a replacement condenser, points and a carburettor setup. The brake fluid was flushed and renewed and a new battery amongst other smaller tweaks and fixes. It's a joy to drive and goes as well as it looks.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The car still has its original steel wheels with very smart BMW chrome hub caps that are in excellent condition. The tyres are Goodridge on the front and Michelins on the rear and all have plenty of tread and show no signs of perishing. The brakes show minimal wear and pull the car up quickly in a straight line.

HISTORY FILE

This 2000 Touring was first registered in March 1973 and stayed in the careful hands of its first owner for 35 years. When he became too old to drive the car was passed to a friend of the family who kept the car for a year before selling to a collector.

There is a box file with paperwork confirming the previous owners, some service and parts receipts, quite a few MOT certificates, old tax disks and some old photographs of the car looking pristine with its original owner.

It also comes with its original document holder that has the owner's manual and Touring supplement.