Since 2014, when the project began, we have reported on the restoration and modification of a 1974 BMW 2002 that was selected to be the first "Clarion Builds" project. From the time the work started until the car was presented at many prestigious venues, such as the Legends Of The Autobahn 2015, the Peterson Automotive Museum, and this year's Consumer Electronics Show—not to mention the cover of Roundel Magazine!—many fans of BMW's most iconic sport sedan have followed its progress, each secretly wishing that someday they could own a 2002 this nice.
Well, someday is now.
The Clarion Builds 1974 BMW 2002 will be auctioned for charity at the April 8–10, 2016 Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Palm Beach, Florida.
“When we began the Clarion Builds program in 2014, we knew that, to be disruptive, we'd need to take on project cars that are iconic and strike an emotional chord with old-school and budding automotive enthusiasts alike. The BMW 2002 is that kind of car,” said Allen H. Gharapetian, Vice President of Marketing and Product Planning for Clarion Corporation of America and Chief of the Clarion Builds Program.
The work, which involved a mechanical and appearance restoration, was augmented with special comfort touches and of course, an exceptional Clarion audio system. Clarion Builds worked with the BMW pros at Coupe King of Los Angeles, California to transform an ordinary used 2002 into a Fjord Blue work of art worthy of a Peterson Perfection Award from the world-famous Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
In addition to a Euro Lux Package with perforated leather in Oyster, the car received a Nardo steering wheel and accessories, period-correct BBS RS wheels, updated Wilwood disc brakes on both axles, and an adjustable ride height suspension. The 2002’s engine was rebuilt, modified, tuned, and mated to a five-speed gearbox. Fans of more recent BMW’s might appreciate the Clarion Builds 2002’s cloud-connected radio with touchscreen, Bluetooth, and navigation. Talk about teaching old dogs new tricks….
The Clarion Corporation of America created Clarion Builds as a marketing program. By taking on the restoration of iconic cars and trucks in cooperation with key partners, Clarion Builds hopes to reach a wide range of automotive enthusiasts. It has certainly reached BMW enthusiasts.
Barrett-Jackson is the most widely known collector car auction. It is famous for having many of the most beautiful and expensive vehicles in the country go across its auction block, for which it collects a handsome commission. What is not so widely known is that Barrett-Jackson routinely accepts cars that will be auctioned for charity without charging the commission, so that the entire selling price goes to the designated charity.
Also of interest to BMW fans at this particular Barrett-Jackson auction might be a 1938 BMW 320, a 2001 BMW Z8 Roadster with fewer than 20,000 miles, and a 1989 BMW 325i Convertible that was the personal car of none other than hot rod and Hollywood car builder George Barris.
The proceeds from the sale of the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 will be donated to the TGEN Foundation to support cancer research. This is just one more good reason to bid on this gorgeous BMW.
As if we would need another reason.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of Clarion Builds via Inautonews.
