1973 | BMW 1602

Registration number: 40-01-XG

Trade-in car.

It’s 1973. The world is shifting, oil prices are climbing, but out on Europe’s winding backroads, one thing still matters most: the joy of driving.
And that is precisely what BMW built the 1602 for. A compact, lightweight, and perfectly balanced coupe with rear-wheel drive, a lively M10 engine, and above all: character.


*And this particular car?
*
It takes you straight back to that era. Originally delivered in the Netherlands, this BMW 1602 is finished in the rare and striking color Malaga Red, paired with a brown vinyl interior. It was restored in the 1990s with a clear focus on detail and originality and has been carefully preserved ever since. The result is a car that remains in solid, well-kept condition inside and out, from the bodywork to the dashboard.


*BMW as it was meant to be: light, responsive, and grin-inducing
*
The moment you take the wheel, it becomes clear why BMW could confidently claim “For sheer driving pleasure” in 1973. That wasn’t just a slogan. It was the soul of the car. The engine feels healthy and spirited, the original factory-fitted 5-speed gearbox shifts smoothly, and the clutch is light to operate. The chassis feels direct and communicative. This is classic BMW driving, pure and unfiltered.


*Well cared for, right down to the details
*
The paint retains a nice shine and shows the kind of light patina you'd expect from a well-enjoyed classic. The restoration was clearly done with authenticity in mind, and the right period-correct details are all in place. The wheels, chrome bumpers, and glass are in tidy condition. Inside, the seats are clean and well-kept, the dash is uncracked, the instruments are crisp, and the steering wheel is that unmistakably BMW design from the era.


*A defining chapter in BMW history
*
The BMW 1602 laid the groundwork for the brand’s sporting reputation. Evolved from the groundbreaking Neue Klasse models, it combined modern engineering with a clean, minimalist design. Under the hood is the legendary M10 four-cylinder engine—the same powerplant that, in turbocharged form, would go on to deliver over 1,000 horsepower in Formula 1.

The 1602 was designed as a more affordable and compact option compared to the four-door 1500, but with a sportier, more engaging drive. With 85 horsepower and weighing just over 900 kilograms, this was a car ahead of its time—and it still delivers a compelling experience today.


*Highlights of this BMW 1602
*
– Originally delivered in the Netherlands
– Factory-equipped with the desirable 5-speed gearbox
– Rare and attractive color combination: Malaga Red with brown interior
– Carefully restored in the 1990s with attention to authenticity
– Well-preserved condition throughout, inside and out
– A fantastic driver’s car: light, precise, and full of feel


*Interested? Get in touch
*
Looking for an authentic and well-kept BMW 1602? This could be the one. Whether you're local or abroad, we're here to help. With decades of experience in global vehicle export, we can take care of the entire process for you. Feel free to contact us for more information or to arrange a viewing.