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BMW 2002 Turbo
The 2002 Turbo is the epitome of a German muscle car, despite being 45 years old. This is not a sports car, although it could outrun a Porsche 911 when they released it. It is not a GT model, although it has four seats and a decent trunk. It is pure muscle car they designed and built around the “biggest engine in the lightest body” mantra.
In the early 70’s, BMW found success with their 02 Neue Klasse series of models. The 02s were quick, nimble and light coupes. They established the brand among performance lovers and racing fans all over the world. But BMW wanted more. They wanted to present the ultimate 02 model by incorporating a signature design with the latest in high-performance technology – turbocharging.
So, in 1973, BMW introduced the 2002 Turbo as the crazy, naughty cousin of the rest of BMW lineup. The car featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 170 HP. They revised the suspension and brakes, too. Along with unique design details, there was only one color choice, but an interesting graphics package.
On the front bumper, they wrote the word, “Turbo” backwards so other drivers would recognize the model in their rearview mirrors. Despite relatively small power numbers, the 2002 Turbo was a blast to drive, thanks to its lightweight body. The car met universal praise from fans and the car press. But, the oil crisis of the early 70’s killed the model after they made just 1,672 of them.