True Blue: Estoril Blue 1974 BMW 2002

BMW has come out with some great colors over the years, but Estoril Blue will always stick out for me as the prettiest. The E36 M3 I spent my first heavenly M-moments in was referred to simply as “The Blue Car,” as the hue was so stunning. Today we have an amazing, mechanically and cosmetically rebuilt 2002. With just 6,800 miles on all the new bits, this restomod will draw plenty of attention.

1974 BMW 2002 for sale on eBay

From the seller:

1974 BMW 2002 Resto-Mod in Estoril Blue, with Beige interior – An E36 M3 color that is stunning with many new parts, original window sticker and many records. The refresh paint was professionally done in 2009, still looking new. Car was originally transported to Arthur Allen Imports in Riverside CA. Code number 2213 then spent most of its life in Arizona. I purchased the car in July 2007 from a dealer in St. Louis and it has been in Florida since then. Frame off restoration from 2007 to 2009 totaling over $29,000, with receipts.

Below is a list of the major stuff I have done:

– Engine rebuilt with Schrick Cam 292, rod brgs, main brgs, cam gear, crank gear, timing chain guide, tensioner, water pump, oil pump, clutch, head gasket, belts, fuel regulator, new gasket etc.
– New Weber dual side draft 45 DCO
– Five speed conversion, IE driveshaft, clutch line
– LSD
– Euro front and rear chrome bumpers
– New Petronix Ignition
– Rear disc brakes – all new including fronts
– Stainless steel brake lines
– NEW IE stage 1 springs
– New Bilstein HD front and rear
– New Front/rear bushings
– New Ireland Engineering front/rear sway bars and end links
– New urethane steering coupler
– New left, center and right control arms
– Top end performance front and rear brace
– New headers by Stahl
– New Ansa sport muffler
– New IE front airdam
– New factory style carpet and padding – Color Saddle
– Dynamated the entire floorboard, front and rear panels and door panels
– New front door panels
– New clear plastic door backing to prevent water coming through.
– New weather seals throughout
– New door seals
– Re-done rear deck
– Engine compartment seal
– New front windshield, gasket and chrome beads
– New rear gasket and chrome beads
– New rear side window seals
– New drain tubing F/R
– New factory style headliner
– Re-upholstered front seats
– New rear side markers, tail lights, License Plate, and new headlights
– New front Euro Turn Signals
– New Hella driving lights
– New turn signal and turn TS ring
– Powder coated valve cover
– New pedal pad insulation inner and brake clutch
– Solid strut towers
– Solid floor
– New Rota Minilite 15-inch wheels with Yokohama S-Drive tires 195-50R15
– New OE side skirts
– New instrument clusters – All three pods
– New custom cluster surround
– Momo steering wheel and shifter
– New seat belts and new locking
– New horn (great sound and loud)
– Custom center console with Alpine CD/iPod, clock, engine start and new shifter boot
– New Alpine amplifier, 6×9 MB-Quarts speaker, JL Audio Sub. All in the trunk
– New redone trunk carpet
– Solid trunk
– Charcoal canister
– New gas cap with BMW logo
– NO A/C – Everything was removed
– Fluids changed every 1500 miles
– I am certain that I have missed something….

I drive the car about three times a month, only on sunny days. Also attend most BMW Club meetings and drives. No rain, never smoked in, always garaged, no track, race nor abused. This car has put a smile on my face from day one when I drove it for the very first time to the local BMW meet in the early AM on a Saturday and still to this day it is one of the best BMW cars I have ever owned ( I have owned fifteen BMWs). Highway speeds are effortless with the 5-speed, lane changes are super tight, brakes are fantastic, handling like a go-cart. It is smooth, quiet, feels solid with no vibrations and has the superb sound of the ANSA exhaust. The sound system is excellent (Alpine CD/iPod, alpine amplifier, JL subwoofer and MB Quartz speakers). There is NO driver fatigue and gets a lot of attention. It is the ultimate driving machine. This car has been sorted out mechanically, appearance wise and structurally and can be driven across the country without any issues. She now has 6800 miles.

There are a few things that the new owner will need to take care of. 1. Rear area bottom of the windshield there are three ¼” size bubble a sign of rust. 2. A tiny drop of oil at the gear box (the seal was replaced once before). 3. When I bought the car the driver and passenger door locks use different keys (didn’t bother me). 4. The dash is cracked (dash mat is being used to cover it). 5. Top L/R chrome rain rails are in rough shape. 6. Driver seat will recline when using the bottom left recliner (the toggle on the side of the seat does not recline). 7. ½” size scratch on top of the roof of passenger side. As many of you know, the modifications are endless on these cars. However, there is not much left for the new owner to do. All she needs is a good home.

For those who are serious, I will provide the info of the 3 shops that were used for body, paint and mechanical so that you can talk to the guys who did the work on this car personally.

Not one for the original purists, but definitely a beautiful 2002 that would be a lot of fun. A lot of cash, too, as the Buy-It-Now is about $23k. That puts it way up there on the 2002 price scale, but at least the seller isn’t expecting to get his $29k in receipts back. For just 6800 miles and beautiful details inside and out, the buyer will be the top of the Neue Klasse.

-NR