I have to admit that this trip is really an opportunity for me to live vicariously through others. I have had a few glimpses into the lives of others as they have so graciously offered the opportunity to pilot their cars down the road. Today, I was able to slip behind the wheel of a very familiar car, the BMW 2002. One year newer and with arguably better taillights and bumpers, this 1973 2002tii looks very much the same as my 1974 2002.
For those with sharp eyes you may notice one small difference on the hood where a small Alpina sticker resides. This is where this car and my car separate in a big way.
You see, this is no regular 2002tii, this is a Hardy & Beck Alpina A4s and somewhat of a sleeper one at that. This one is devoid of the bits and bobs that loudly declare the differences beneath the hood and is the way the original owner intended it to be. With one step on the gas this 02 reveals what is lying beneath the hood which is this beautiful and rare Alpina motor. After staring into the engine bay for a long while I began to think that every 2002 should look this way under the hood.
The beauty doesn’t stop here. Included is a 5-speed transmission, limited slip, and special “green dot” Bilstein struts. After taking this for spirited spin up and down the hill country of Austin I couldn’t believe how smooth this car felt. The engine glided along and made my poor little guy sitting in storage feel a bit slow and sloppy. This is my first experience with this engine and will never be able to forgot the distinct way it felt powering down the road and especially the way it sounded. It made a very distinct noise that is far different from a standard 2002 or 2002tii.
It doesn’t stop there. On the inside is one of my absolute favorite parts and that is the Recaro seats. Firm and snug and ready to whip you through the hills, this is one of the best looking seats of all time.
Anyone have one for sale that won’t break the bank? I think I am in the market for one 
. Well maybe I could at least afford a set of these seats?
