The successful Neue Klasse range spearheaded by BMW is widely attributed to have saved the company from financial trouble in the 1950s. The Bavarian manufacturer’s next model launch was to continue its upward trajectory, and the “02 Series” of two-door sporting saloons first went on sale in 1966. The 1600-2 was followed two years later by the iconic 2002 that featured the widely acclaimed 2.0-litre M10 engine.

The car’s forward-leaning stance gave it a purposeful look, while the low waistline and big glasshouse endowed it with excellent all-round visibility. The standard BMW 2002 was already a strong performer, with its 1990 cc, four-cylinder engine producing 100 brake horsepower, taking this small saloon in excess of a 100 mph top speed. In 1971, the introduction of the BMW 2002 Tii, or “touring international injection”, meant the BMW now came equipped with mechanical Kugelfischer fuel injection, producing 130 brake horsepower and a top speed of 118mph.

In 1974, BMW added the Lux package to spruce up the aging 02 Series until the first 3 Series could replace it. As the name implies, BMW designers focused on more luxurious interior features, adding a wooden, ashtray surround, door cappings, gear knob, and instrument binnacle. The steering wheel was padded while the seats were covered in velour similar to that used on the bigger six-cylinder BMWs. Furthermore, there were door pockets, a rear-seat armrest and velour carpets. From the outside, only a lockable fuel cap and the distinctive “L” accompanying the 2002 Tii badge on rear gave the game away.

This particular car is a 1975 2002 Tii Lux, one of only 3,680 right-hand-drive Tii models. Only a very limited number of these came equipped with the Lux package. The BMW was acquired by the current owner in August 2014 and while there is no history file from its prior ownership, invoices on file do attest to work carried out over the past few years. The engine is an unstamped BMW replacement engine and has covered just 13,000 miles—12,400 of those said to be at the hands of the consigning owner, including a road trip to its Munich birthplace.

Thought to have first been restored in 2004, the vendor embarked on an ongoing series of works to bring the car up to its present excellent condition. The repaint—finishing the BMW in Golf Yellow—was completed over 2016 and 2017, as verified by invoices on file, while other works have been carried out on an ongoing basis, as can be seen by accompanying photos. A BMW Classic Certificate forms part of the car’s history file.

The car is presented for sale with its Owner’s Manual, two sets of keys, a spare wheel and the factory jack. This rare and sought after BMW is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.