The only BMW 2002 Turbo on the continent is set to take part in the inaugural Concours South Africa event at Sun City in September this year.
The vehicle was once owned by Nicky Oppenheimer, but has been under the care of Johannesburg businessman Jack Kaplan for the past 18 years.
Just over 1 400 units were produced (including the 12 pre-production models built in late 1973) in Munich, all in left-hand-drive.
The engine was a 2,0-litre four cylinder, fitted with a KKK turbocharger and Kugelfischer fuel injection. The cabin featured bucket seats, a sport steering wheel and a boost gauge.
Back in 1974, it was good for a 7,0-second 0-100 km/h sprint time and a top speed of 210 km/h.
Kaplan’s example runs on BBS alloy wheels, and has been has its fair share of modifications over the years.
“The turbo was changed to a Turbonetics at 0,62 bar boost and an intercooler fitted as well as an Electromotive ignition system; the cylinder head was gas-flowed; and a custom-built exhaust system was fitted,” Kaplan said.
“Bilstein dampers and a custom-made front brace were fitted, as well as 305 mm Wilwood ventilated discs and four-pot callipers up front with 255 drums on the rear,” he added.
Kaplan says there were once four other examples in Africa (shipped to Angola in 1974), but two were written off and the other two were sold to buyers in Europe.
The Concours South Africa event is scheduled to take place from 9 to 11 September.
