For BMW the 1970’s heralded one of the most accelerative periods of growth they have seen in their history. Due to financial instability there was a need for BMW to move away from large engined, expensive cars and bike engined microcars to something more middle of the road to take on the likes of Mercedes Benz in the saloon market. Enter the Neue Klasse of cars (new class), mid sized saloon cars designed to bring BMW back to glory.

The Neue Klasse was the first production series of this scale undertaken by BMW in its history, with well over 1,000,000 produced between 1962 – 1977. Throughout the series BMW produced four and two door variants of the 1.6L and 2.0L models, adding a ‘2’ to the end of the 1600 and 2000 nomenclature for those with fewer doors.

From an investment standpoint, then, it seems futile to spend ones time looking at a mass production series with so many rolling off the line. The value of the Neue Klasse cars is that hidden in the family are some absolute investment gems.

Let’s talk about the BMW 2002.

The sporty 2.0L coupé was launched in 1968 and was an instant success, after drivers had tried the 1602 some found it lacking power and urged BMW to put the larger 2.0L car into production. BMW obliged and over the course of its life more than 320,000 of the 2002’s left the factory between 1968 and 1975.

Many of these cars had long and arduous lives, but there is no doubt that they were enjoyed as anyone who has driven or owned one says that the 2002 is one of the most fun driving machines made in recent history. Nevertheless the 2002 is, in reality, a very rare beast. Currently there are 174 on UK roads with a further 158 SORN’d which means you are more likely to see the new Ferrari 488GTB drive past you on the way to work than a 2002.

The low numbers still around, combined with the hard life many have lead means that the demand for a good 2002 is growing ever more intense. Like flowers leaning towards the sun more and more people are realising what a good prospect the 2002 is as both a fun tool for the weekend and something that will make you money at the end of ownership.

UK auction prices for the light weight coupe have been steadily rising over the years with a good Tii model fetching up to £10,000 at auction. In the classifieds models can be seen selling for over twice that and the market is happy to pay such a price for this slice of retro indulgence. With the later models nearing 40 years old though, is it a sensible idea to try and run one of these cars?

Surprisingly, yes! The cars are mechanically straightforward and parts are easily sourced. A restoration project 2002 can be purchased relatively cheaply and then built up back to factory condition for not as much outlay as one would expect of such a rare car.

One thing that we can see from the UK auction data is that the prices of these are going up and don’t show signs of stopping. Click on the graph above to see the full scale of the price increase as the iconic 2002 Turbo commands ever higher premiums and this desirability is trickling down across the 2002 range.

Our top tip if you are thinking of dipping a toe in the 2002 market is to go for the range topping fuel injected Tii model which packs the most usable punch on the road. Similarly the Baur Targa models are commanding high premiums and are becoming seen as the quirky option so they are the ones to keep an eye on even if the looks.

BMW 2002 Turbo and Baur Targa