2002 Turbo

In the early 1960s, BMW was on the verge of bankruptcy. The company made either tiny bubble cars (Isetta) or large sedans (V8 502) with nothing in between. The Neue Klasse sedans saved the company, and the 2002 coupe distilled their appeal into a smaller, sportier package.

The standard 2002 combined a rev-happy 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a lightweight body, independent rear suspension, and precise steering. It was the first car to prove that a compact sedan could be a genuine driver's car.

The 2002 Turbo, launched in 1973, was the first European production car with turbocharging. The KKK turbocharger boosted the M121 engine to 170 hp, with reversed mirror-image 'turbo 2002' decals on the front spoiler that read correctly in the rearview mirrors of cars ahead.

Only 1,672 Turbos were built before the oil crisis killed the model. The timing was terrible: a performance car launched during an energy crisis. But the 2002's legacy transcended the Turbo variant. It established BMW's reputation as the driver's brand and created the compact sports sedan segment that the 3 Series would dominate for decades.

2002 Turbo values have risen dramatically, with clean examples commanding EUR 80,000 to EUR 150,000.