1975 BMW 1600

1975 BMW 2002 – Fully Restored, M42 ITB Restomod, Haltech ECU, Ground-Up Build

Offered for sale is a comprehensively rebuilt and tastefully upgraded 1975 BMW 2002, developed over several years into a fast-road / track-capable car with a focus on mechanical integrity, driver engagement, and period-correct aesthetics.

Originally a BMW 1602, the car was purchased as a bare metal shell and rebuilt from the ground up, with a documented build thread covering every stage of the process from initial strip-down through to final assembly.

The Build

The project began with a fully stripped shell, which had already undergone extensive metalwork including replacement panels, repaired arches, and a bare-metal respray prior to the current ownership.

From there, the car was rebuilt with a clear objective: to create a lightweight, analogue driver’s car with modern reliability and sharp response.

Every major system has been addressed:

Engine and drivetrain

Suspension and braking

Wiring and electronics

Interior and driver controls

This is not a cosmetic build. It is a properly engineered car.

Engine & Drivetrain

At the heart of the car is a fully refreshed E30 M42 engine, selected for its rev-happy nature and reliability.

Key highlights:

Dbilas individual throttle bodies

Haltech standalone ECU with custom wiring loom

Newman fast road / race camshaft

Ported and refreshed cylinder head

New timing chain, guides, lifters and gaskets

Custom exhaust and manifold

E30 radiator with bespoke cooling setup

The engine was stripped and rebuilt with attention to detail, addressing common wear items before installation, ensuring a strong and reliable base.

Power delivery is sharp, responsive, and characterful in a way modern cars simply cannot replicate.

Chassis, Suspension & Brakes

The car has been built around a fully refreshed and upgraded chassis:

E21 LSD rear differential

E21 trailing arms and drivetrain components

Ground Control adjustable coilovers (front and rear)

Koni adjustable dampers (NOS units)

Tii front struts

Upgraded vented discs and wide calipers

Braided brake lines

Everything has been rebuilt or replaced, resulting in a tight, confidence-inspiring platform.

Interior

The interior has been purposefully designed to match the car’s intent:

Cobra tartan bucket seats

OMP 4-point harnesses

Bolt-in half cage

Compbrake pedal box conversion

Custom carpets and coco mats

Rear seat delete

Prototipo steering wheel

A significant amount of time was spent refining pedal feel and ergonomics, including a bespoke solution to integrate the Compbrake system cleanly into the chassis.

This is a driver-focused environment, but still well finished.

Exterior

Finished in Schwarz black, the car presents extremely well with subtle but purposeful styling:

Smoothed bodywork

Period-inspired wide body styling

Round rear light conversion

Early style mirrors

15x8 Work wheels (square setup)

Centre-exit exhaust

The stance and presence are exactly what you want from a properly built 2002.

Condition

The car presents very well overall and has been built to be driven and enjoyed rather than stored. As such, it offers an excellent balance between a high-quality build and a usable, real-world classic.

There are a small number of areas a new owner may wish to address or refine further:

Windscreen shows slight delamination in the lower driver’s corner

Speedometer and fuel gauge currently not wired in

Door and boot locks not commissioned

Carpet not fully finished around the ECU and wiring area

Minor cosmetic marks including light scratches, chips and small dings consistent with use

None of the above detract from the driving experience, and the car performs exactly as intended.

For many, this represents an opportunity to add the final finishing touches and put their own stamp on an already comprehensively built car, rather than starting from scratch.

Documentation & Provenance

One of the strongest aspects of this car is the documentation.

The entire build is recorded in detail across:

PistonHeads project thread

BMW forums

Supporting imagery and updates

This gives full transparency into:

how the car was built

the quality of work

the decisions made along the way

Very few cars at this level come with this level of evidence.

Summary

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a properly executed BMW 2002 build that combines:

Classic aesthetics

Modern engine management

Fully rebuilt chassis

Detailed provenance

It offers a driving experience that is raw, engaging, and increasingly hard to find.

Price

£34,995

**Please note that PHK 58 WILL NOT come with the car, the original reg is KGO 316N**