In the present day’s Good Value or No Cube 1802 Touring is a non-public import as BMW by no means offered the three-door hatchbacks right here within the U.S. Let’s see what such a uncommon Roundel wearer would possibly fairly be price.
In distinction to the late, nice boxer Muhammad Ali, who “floated like a butterfly, and stung like a bee,” the 2000 Buick Park Avenue Extremely we checked out yesterday probably floated like an oceanliner and, at $4,450, had a worth that lacked any kind of sting by any means. Thought of on a comfort-to-cash foundation, you all thought that to be price a powerful 82 p.c Good Value win.
We usually use the biblical time period ‘forbidden fruit’ to explain the fascinating issues we’re denied resulting from geography and authorities rules. Luckily for present-day automotive fans, the foundations have modified over the many years, and the world is a subjectively smaller place. Meaning we are able to now legally have unofficially imported vehicles and vans so long as they’re of a sure age. Presently, we are able to additionally get pleasure from high-octane absinthe. Simply don’t do them on the similar time.
This 1974 BMW 1802 Touring was by no means imported by BMW U.S.A., the mannequin having by no means been licensed by the corporate to satisfy North American emissions or security requirements. That’s plainly apparent by the automotive’s lack of five-mile-per-hour bumpers, facet marker lights, and the presence of its spherical tail lamp items. The U.S. additionally by no means acquired the 1802 mannequin, as BMW caught to the smaller 1600 and bigger 2.0-liter for the 02 Sequence within the States, and provided solely a two-door physique fashion for both, solely eschewing the 1802’s out there three-door hatchback version.
So this automotive is a non-public import, and based mostly on the “Hessels” and Nederland BMW 02 Membership stickers on the glass, it got here from the Netherlands.
That little bit of sleuthing is backed up by the vendor’s description, which may be discovered on the backside of the advert after all of the details about weak credit/no credit score financing and the provide to talk Spanish if that’s your factor:
This uncommon collectable traditional carries the chassis nr. 3410429 and has lined 84,726 authentic kilometers from new. It was initially imported from the Netherlands and is at present registered in California. The automotive is in good mechanical and cosmetically form in addition to fully inventory other than a Sony radio unit, Pioneer audio system and a distant management locking system. It’s powered by a M10 single overhead cam 1.8 liter inline 4 cylinder engine and 4 velocity handbook transmission, options all unbiased suspension and entrance disk brakes in addition to chrome face-lift bumpers and lights from the 1974 mannequin yr.
That 84,726 kilometers works out to round 54,000 miles, and whereas a close-up inspection reveals some put on and tear, the automotive seems in very first rate situation total. Sure, the Sony stereo appears to be like misplaced, and the slicing of the door playing cards and cargo space cowl for aftermarket audio system is a criminal offense, however these are pretty minor annoyances.
Apart from that, the automotive appears to be like to be full and virtually all authentic save for the stereo and an under-hood strut brace. The latter bends across the 89-horsepower 1.8-liter M10 and is the one discordant (albeit not in a foul method) factor within the engine bay.
The inside, too, appears able to rock, and the bodywork is freed from any obvious boogers or indicators of rust. The automotive additionally comes with present California registration and a clear title. This being dealer-offered, it’s naturally on the prime of no matter pricing paradigm you would possibly anticipate, and meaning we now have to contemplate its $34,750 asking.
That’s some huge cash, however we should think about the choice for anybody within the U.S. in search of the same automotive. If not already within the States, one must be tracked down abroad, purchased at no matter value, after which lastly imported with all of the expense and paperwork concerned. Or they may seize this one for $34,750.
What do you consider that latter state of affairs? Does it appear to be a good deal to get a chunk out of some previously forbidden fruit? Or does this Touring not provide sufficient enticement to assert such money?
You determine!
Inland Empire, California, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
H/T to Don R. for the hookup!
Assist me out with NPOND. Hit me up at [email protected] and ship me a fixed-price tip. Keep in mind to incorporate your Kinja deal with.
