1973 BMW 1602

BMW 02 series (excluding 2002) (Saloon/Hatchback), 1966-1977

The BMW -02 series was in production from 1966-1977. Styled in house, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive saloon, hatchback and open range seating up to five adults.

BMW had identified a market for a saloon smaller than its Neue Klasse range, and set about developing a 10" shorter two door variant. Launched in 1966 as the 1600-2, it was lighter, faster, sharper but less well equipped than the four door original. The following year saw the performance 1600-2TI and the pretty 1600-2 cabriolet launched, the latter would be replaced by a targa variant for 1971.

British imports of the 1602 began in April 1967, just over a year after introduction. It was available in base and L trim, with an optional S pack including halogen driving lamps, a revcounter and overriders from 1974.

The TI would be replaced by 1968's 2002 - a model we will cover elsewhere. From 1971 to 1974 a hatchback variant, the 1602 Touring, was sold - while from 1971 there was also a larger engined 1802 variant for continental markets only. The 02 range was mostly discontinued in 1975 to make way for the E21 3-series, but one model had in fact been introduced the same year. The economy-focused 1502 remained as an entry level sub 3-series model, and was finally replaced in 1977.

One of the -02's best British rivals was the small Triumph range, which became consolidated under the Dolomite name for 1975 but which arguably best rivalled the 1602 in 1500TC and Dolomite 1850 forms. Other rivals might have included the Citroen GS, and by the end of production British buyers would have been likely to find the Volkswagen Golf an admirable alternative to the Touring model. Alarmingly, by 1975 the 1602 models cost the same as the BL 18-22 Wedge series, and more than a Citroen D Special. While these aren't true rivals a case could be made for their appeal to similar clientele. The Alfa Romeo Giulia would also have offered continental style for a similar price.