Both spawned from the “New Class”, the 2002 and E9/CSL models were critical to establishing BMW as not only an international brand, but as a serious contender in automotive racing. The styling of these two cars are as good as it gets for me, on both ends of the spectrum: The 2002 is minimal, sleek, and small- while the 3.0 CSL employed much more radical styling, especially the race-bred models, making extensive use of garish aerodynamic bodywork. Both were hugely influential and paved the way for the best selling BMW in history: the ubiquitous 3-Series.
I’ve never had the priveledge of driving a CSL, but my grandmother had an imported 2002tii in lime green when I was a kid, I have awesome memories of drives through Dutchess County in that baseball glove leather interior.
-Rory
Thank you for showing some respect for the 2002! by far my favorite bimmer, SO CLEAN looking!
I used to have a ’68 2002. At the time, I remember hating the lack of power steering and no air conditioner in the California heat, but damn was it fun to drive.
haha yea, the lack of power steering makes parallel parking a labour, but on the track it’s preferable to go without.
Love this post — the CSL is an icon for sure. I am sure they are gnarly sounding and brilliantly balanced cars… i’ll have to tell you sometime about eating at Vittorio Brambilla’s house in Italy.
Ugh…another story that makes me want to go Face/Off on your ass? Fine. Next time we’re at the 101, you can tell me alllllll about it. >:-|
The pictures 11,12 and 13 are not 2002, but a 3.0 CSL it seems (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E9). Very elegant car.
Of course it’s the CSL. Did you bother to even read the article? Or the title for that matter? 😐
I totally love the looks of this car. This is my top “retro” car i’d own along with Alfa Romeo’s Giulia, abundantly used in the 60-70s by our Police
(see GT model http://world-viewer.com/data_images/alfa-romeo-giulia-1600-gt-junior/alfa-romeo-giulia-1600-gt-junior-01.jpg)
Thanks for this tribute…
I owned a 2002 Ti which was the twin side draft carbureted version of the 2002 Tii which was never imported to the USA. It was the same color “inka” orange. It was a very nimble car, and sported a lot of “Alpina” parts on it…
Scott, I love the 2002 for its design of the time, but I’m positive my Thunder Grey Chromaflair(yes that’s the color) 2011 CTS-V sedan will be remembered for years to come as well! Look at these lines! http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f79/jasonkinnard/IMG_0970.jpg
My heavily tweaked, artistic take on my V. http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f79/jasonkinnard/IMG_0924-3.jpg