BMW sold 860,000 vehicles of the 02 model series between 1966 and 1977, a great success and it was precisely these vehicles that helped to establish the sporty reputation of the Bavarian cars. It goes without saying that such a milestone was and is also documented in books. The first books about the 2002 and its siblings appeared as early as the 1980s. So Helmut Schrader and Hans-Jürgen Schneider had to come up with a few ideas to pave the way for their new work to reach the reader.
From the surroundings to the new model series
The completely revised and expanded book "Legend 02" begins with a chapter on the prehistory and model development. BMW Isetta, BMW 700, but also the BMW 3200 CS are discussed. And the important people such as Paul G. Hahnemann and Wilhelm Gieschen.
The different model variants
The book devotes a lot of space to describing the individual model variants, starting with the 1600-2/1600/1600 TI and continuing with the 1802, the 1502 and, of course, the famous 2002 as well as the Touring variants. Design and sales aspects are explained in each case. The Baur cabriolets are also discussed and, of course, the 2002 turbo - the right car at the wrong time.
Exotics and specialties
The exotic cars such as the 2000 C/CS/CA coupé, the 1600 GT taken over from Glas and the BMW Turbo technology carrier, a gullwing coupé and indirect predecessor of the M1, are also discussed.
One-offs, prototypes and small series are presented in a separate chapter, including the coupé/convertible variants by Pietro Frua, Karmann and Bertone. There was also an experimental car with a Wankel engine, two others with electric drive and a mid-engined prototype called the E22.
Another chapter is devoted to Willi Martini's work and his creations, as well as the racing use of the various 02 types.
Extensive data section
Extensive tables explain production numbers, analyze price trends, list production figures and classify colors and types. There are also the spare parts prices from 1966 and excerpts from the AMS endurance test from 1972. Of course, there is also technical data on the individual types.
However, it remains a mystery to the reader why the data section has not been concentrated in one chapter.
A complete restoration history
The restoration of a 2002 from 1974 takes up around a third of the book.
Many pictures and extensive descriptions explain how an honest but dilapidated 2002 A was turned back into a piece of jewelry. And even the experiences after the end of the restoration are noted. 959 hours of work and around 3600 euros for parts were spent, and the book explains this in detail.
Powerful images
With over 520 photos, the 260-page volume is extensively illustrated. The illustrations are primarily factory photos, but new photos were of course taken to document the restoration. Nevertheless, the book "Legende BMW 02" is not an illustrated book, even though some of the photos have been printed in large format. However, sometimes the last bit of sharpness and contrast is missing, which would probably have made the book considerably more expensive.
In any case, the book is aimed more at people who also value the text, and these need not only be BMW owners. It is actually entertaining reading for anyone who is interested in cars from the sixties and seventies.
And for what it offers, the price of 34.90 euros seems quite reasonable.
Bibliographical details
- Title: "Legend BMW 02: History from 1959, all types 1502 - 2002 tii and turbo 1966-1977, 1600 GT, 2000C, touring, special models, Sport Report: BMW 02 restoration, time, costs, parts procurement"
- Authors: Hans J. Schneider, Halwart Schrader
- Publisher: Delius Klasing Verlag, Bielefeld, 2nd edition
- Format: 22.9 x 27.6 cm, hardcover
- Size: 260 pages, 361 photos (color), 166 photos (b/w), 35 illustrations (b/w)
- ISBN: 978-3-7688-5809-0
- Price: € 34.90 (D) / € 35.90 (A) / sFr 46.90 (CH)
- Buy at amazon.de, the publisher Delius Klasing or in well-stocked bookshops
