Classic Find: A 1973 BMW 2002 Tii For Sale With A Hidden Reality

South Hampton Service in the small town of Hampton, IL, is genuinely an old-school garage. While you can certainly grab fuel, a doughnut, and a cup of coffee just like at any standard gas station, what sets them apart is that they still actively service and repair cars—a feature that feels increasingly rare these days. Because of this, you often stumble upon some intriguing vehicles on the premises. This was the case with the 1977 Cutlass Supreme Brougham I spotted and wrote about last year. However, my most recent discovery at the same location could never be mistaken for a Colonnade Brougham; it was a striking red 1973 BMW 2002 tii. Finding a 1973 Bmw 2002 For Sale in such an unexpected spot was quite a surprise.

Front view of South Hampton Service garage with cars outside

Consider the complete opposite experience. The ’77 Cutlass was designed as an isolation chamber, intended to ferry its occupants in silent V8 comfort. The BMW 2002, on the other hand, offered an entirely different proposition. It was, and still is, a true driver’s car. Purposeful, agile, and undeniably handsome, these cars embodied a sense of cool that few others from the era could match.

Red 1973 BMW 2002 Tii classic car parked

The 1973 BMW 2002 Tii: A Driver’s Machine

Thanks to a previous post by Perry about a much rougher tii model, I recalled that the tii—the high-performance variant in the 2002 line (excluding the ultra-rare Turbo)—made its debut in 1972. This makes the 1973 model a second-year version. The inclusion of Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection was a significant highlight, underscoring the tii’s sporting ambitions. While pristine examples of the BMW 2002 tii now command premium prices, any 2002 is widely considered a joy to drive—or so I’ve heard from those lucky enough to experience one firsthand.

Close-up of the front corner of a 1973 BMW 2002 Tii

I first spotted this particular car about a month prior, parked nose-in among several other vehicles. I intended to stop and take a closer look then but ended up driving past. This decision has cost me opportunities to photograph interesting cars in the past, but I was fortunate this time. Later that same week, it was parked prominently out front of the garage, featuring a clear “For Sale” sign displayed on its bright red bodywork. This confirmed my initial thought: here was a 1973 Bmw 2002 For Sale.

Side view of a red 1973 BMW 2002 Tii with a For Sale sign

The Reality Behind the Shine

While my parents and I were returning home from a car meet in Auburn, the topic of the red 2002 tii came up in conversation. I mentioned what a great find it was and that I needed to stop by and inspect it properly. It was then that my dad shared a crucial piece of information: the car wasn’t quite as nice as it initially appeared. While it reportedly ran exceptionally well, like a “Swiss watch,” he observed that it seemed to have a significant amount of body filler. Restoring it back to original, factory-perfect splendor would require considerable effort and, more importantly, a very substantial financial investment.

Rear angle view of a red 1973 BMW 2002 Tii classic car

Hearing this was a bit disappointing, even though I had no intention of purchasing it myself. Still, I was eager to see it up close. The only other 2002 I had seen recently was a 1976 model, distinguishable by its larger “rubber baby buggy bumpers,” which belonged to a salesman at a friend’s car lot and was featured here a couple of years ago.

Front view detail of the red 1973 BMW 2002 Tii

Standing closer, especially with the late afternoon sun reflecting off the shiny paint, chrome bumpers, and trim, I was genuinely surprised by how good it looked. From a few feet away, it appeared excellent, a testament to the care it had received or perhaps a recent cosmetic refresh. This reinforced the practical advice: whoever ultimately buys this car should focus on maintaining it as is, enjoying its current state, and keeping it running well. Embarking on a full restoration involving new sheet metal, a complete repaint, and addressing every detail would almost certainly lead to quickly depleting one’s bank account.

Close up of the '2002 tii' badge on the classic BMW

My father once owned a 1969 Porsche 912 Targa that presented a similar situation. It belonged to a friend, who cautioned him before he bought it: “Don’t restore it. It’s solid, runs great, and is a blast to drive, but don’t restore it. Just enjoy it as it is, and you’ll be happier.” My dad followed that advice and was indeed content with the car. This 1973 BMW 2002 for sale seems to fall into that same category – a great driver that’s best enjoyed without the burden of a full, costly restoration.

Side view of the red 1973 BMW 2002 Tii classic car at the garage

Conclusion: A Future for the Classic 2002 Tii

Cars like the 1973 BMW 2002 tii are not commonly found, particularly in the Midwest region of the US. When a classic like this surfaces with a “For Sale” sign, especially a desirable tii model, it attracts attention. Given its reported underlying condition despite the presentable exterior, the key for its next owner will likely be maintenance and enjoyment rather than a pursuit of concours perfection.

Front view of the red 1973 BMW 2002 Tii with a trailer visible

Hopefully, whoever acquires this 1973 BMW 2002 for sale will appreciate it for what it is—a fantastic classic driver—and commit to maintaining it well, loving its character, and simply enjoying the experience of driving it.

Rear view of the red 1973 BMW 2002 Tii classic car

Related Articles:

• 1973 BMW 2002 tii: In Need of Rescue
• 1976 BMW 2002: The Ultimate Big-Bumpered Driving Machine