BMW 2002 Turbo: Spotted

You can't buy a 2002 Hommage, but you can buy an original Turbo (at a price)

BMW's Hommage concepts always tend to be special, and the latest 2002 continues that tradition. Squat and aggressive, it evokes a lot of what we love about old BMWs without looking like a pastiche.

While the Hommage won't ever be sold, there is an original 2002 Turbo available on PH. It's silver rather than white and the advert appears unfinished, but what a find for the classic BMW fan.

Yes for an off-centre exhaust!

Like so many old cars, 2002 Turbos are becoming hard to find. It's suggested that just 1,672 cars were produced, the car's lairy character not really in keeping with the austere climate of the mid-70s, gripped as it was by an oil crisis. Every Turbo was left-hand drive as well, further reducing the likelihood of discovering one in the UK.

While not an M car, the 2002 Turbo has established a legendary reputation for itself. Today turbos have connotations of efficiency, of being introduced to meet emissions targets as much as boosting power. But back in the 70s, turbos were relatively new and tremendously exciting thanks to the huge gains in power available. The excitement - or fear, depending on the consequences - was ramped up in the 170hp 2002 with its huge turbo lag and big performance. Even today, 170hp in a car that's sub-1,100kg with a tank of fuel would be quick - combine that with an engine that isn't really interested below 4,000rpm and there's a recipe for thrills of some kind...

The world needs more graphics like this

Back in the 70s, about the only thing quicker than a fully lit 2002 Turbo was a Porsche 911. Four decades later, there's an interesting comparison to be had as classic purchases. There's no escaping the fact that £70,000 for a 2002 is a lot of money, but then with original CSLs at £100K and E28 M5s at £40,000 for cars with 150K miles, the 6,000-mile Turbo looks much better value. Then we're onto the 911s...

This 2.7 MFI is from the same year as the 2002 Turbo. Restored and looking rather lovely in 'Bitter Chocolate', it promises the authentic 911 experience. The price? £229,995. For one at less money than the 2002 Turbo, you're looking at a 1975 Sportomatic 3.0-litre Carrera with nearly 120,000 miles. That's still £55K.

In the context of those Porsches then, the BMW looks far more tempting. With that turbo the driving experience will be like no other, and that on top of the 2002 being arguably one of BMW's best designs. Plus it has 'turbo' graphics, like all the best force fed cars. Perhaps don't drive it too fast in the wet though...

BMW 2002 TURBO
Engine: 1,991cc, inline-four turbo
Transmission: 4-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 170@5,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 177@4,000rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1974
Recorded mileage: 6,000
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £69,980