Estimated Price: £80,000 - £100,000

Further images to follow.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1973, the BMW 2002 Turbo occupies a significant place in the history of the performance saloon. Europe’s first turbocharged production car, it brought forced induction to BMW’s compact 02 Series, creating a flagship whose appearance left little doubt about its intentions.

Its fuel-injected, 1,990cc four-cylinder engine developed 170bhp, giving the compact BMW a quoted top speed of 131mph. Distinctive wheelarch extensions, a front spoiler and bold Turbo graphics provided an appropriately purposeful exterior. Arriving against the backdrop of the oil crisis, however, the model enjoyed only a short production life, with just 1,672 examples manufactured and its rarity and pioneering engineering have subsequently secured its place among BMW’s most recognisable classics.

The example offered here has a particularly compelling story. First registered on 1st August 1975, it was supplied new in the UK by Brasted Service Station Ltd. in Kent, whose dealer sticker remains in the rear window. Finished in classic Chamonix White with the distinctive BMW Turbo decals and a black vinyl interior, it's described by our vendor as being totally unrestored, retaining its original paintwork and interior throughout.

Whilst many surviving examples have undergone substantial restoration, the appeal of this car lies in its reported preservation and the continuity of its ownership. Following a brief period registered to its first keeper, Mr Carlisle, it passed to its longstanding owner on 20th September 1975 and has remained in that ownership ever since, a period now exceeding half a century. The accompanying original blue logbook records both the first registered keeper and the subsequent change in September 1975.

The history file adds considerable substance to that long association with a handwritten maintenance diary, compiled by the owner, spanning the years from 1975 to 2003, providing a personal record of the attention the BMW received. This is accompanied by MOT certificates dating from 1979, which are described as supporting the recorded mileage, together with a near-complete collection of road tax discs extending to 2007.

Equally pleasing is the survival of the original blue BMW vinyl wallet, containing the owner’s manual, service book and Radiomobile guide. These are described as remaining in very good condition and, alongside the supplying dealer’s sticker and early registration document, form an unusually engaging collection of period material.

The BMW has covered a little over 51,000 miles, with its most recent MOT test on 8th June 2026 recording 51,246 miles. Our vendor advises that it was also serviced and fitted with a new set of tyres during June 2026.

Combining longstanding ownership, an extensive documentary history and the reported survival of its factory paintwork and interior, this is a particularly interesting opportunity to acquire an unrestored example of BMW’s landmark Turbo. We encourage interested parties to inspect the car and its accompanying history in person to appreciate its condition and satisfy themselves as to its originality.