BMW 02 Series “Neue Klasse”
In the early ’60s, it seemed like the end of the road for BMW. The creditors and shareholders wanted the factory closed and assets sold, but buyers didn’t find the products interesting enough. However, famous German industrialist Herbert Quandt knew that BMW had a lot of potential. So, in the early ’60s, he bought the company, paid its debts, and invested heavily in a new lineup called Neue Klasse, or New Class. Introduced in 1962, the Neue Klasse consisted of performance-oriented, affordable, and cleverly designed sedans that put BMW back on its feet. The most popular was the E10, commonly known as the 02 Series (via BMW2002).
Introduced in 1966, this elegant two-door sedan offered unmatched handling and lively performance at an affordable price. It became a market hit in Europe and the United States. At first, it started as a 1.6L-powered car, but with the addition of a two-liter engine, the 2002 became the quintessential enthusiast’s car and the basis for the upcoming 3 Series, the most popular BMW model to this day. This little car marked the rebirth of BMW as a brand and as a definition of a compact and sport-oriented driver’s sedan. It was the first true modern BMW that featured powerful engines, precision steering, and engaging handling, making it to driving enthusiasts all over the world.