Bolt-on arches, a much deeper front air dam that did without a chrome bumper, and dressed in the BMW Motorsport livery: the 2002 Turbo was suitably bold and divisive when unveiled at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show. And that is to say nothing of the radical powerplant that nestled under the front-hinged bonnet. The sturdy M10 inline-four engine, fuel injected and displacing 1,990 cc, was equipped with a KKK turbocharger to deliver 170 horsepower.

The impending fuel crisis put paid to a long and voluminous production run for the 2002 Turbo, with just 1,672 units rolling out of the Munich factory gates. As stated on the accompanying BMW Classic Birth Certificate issued in November 2015, chassis number 4290162 offered here was completed on 26 February 1974 finished in Chamonix white. The car was delivered new in its home country, selling to its first owner via a BMW dealership in Hamburg, prior to being registered for road use on 28 March 1974.

Previous registration forms (available to view on file) indicate further ownership history in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Significantly, the BMW benefits from a 2018 nut-and-bolt restoration performed by marque specialist Oldenzaal Classics in the Netherlands—documented in an accompanying photographic hardback book.

Refinished in its factory-correct Chamonix white, accented by the tricolour BMW Motorsport livery plus statement ‘2002’ and ‘Turbo’ reverse script, over a black interior, chassis 4290162 was purchased by the vendor from The Youngtimer Collection at RM Sotheby’s London sale in October 2019. Under the care of the consigning owner, the car has been exclusively maintained by Lukas Hüni AG of Zurich. This included preparing the BMW to enter the 2021 and 2022 editions of the prestigious Tour Auto regularity rally. Work included fitting a correct-type turbocharger, a replacement five-speed gearbox, plus a clutch master cylinder, hot-air ventilator, and an electric fan to support the radiator (invoices available on file).

Retaining its matching-numbers M10 motor and desirably fitted with a sunroof, the car is accompanied by a 2002 Turbo brochure, spare wheel, jack, and FIVA Identity Card issued in December 2020. A beautifully presented example of the diminutive forced-induction legend, chassis 4290162 would make for a brilliant addition to any sporting car collection.