1974 BMW 2002 Coupe - 5-speed manual, recent restoration

Price: - Item location: Warren, New Jersey, United States
Description:

1974 BMW 2002

RELIABLE CLASSIC DRIVER....
I purchased from a collector car dealer last Jan '15 in Atlanta, where it seems this car has been since 1974 given records and includes original '74 Georgia plates. It has a new, reliable A/C system which is more than capable for Southern heat and heating sufficient for warmth to comfort on cold nights.
This car chassis and engine has been rebuilt to original factory specs plus a modern sound system that connects to device by standard plug or USB. Fog lamps were added after my purchase which can easily be removed if new owner wishes original look, but be aware the additional lighting does serve a purpose at night. Also includes additional LED third brake light for safety, which also can be removed in seconds.
I have enjoyed driving this car around my area in New Jersey and even nearby states- NY/PA/CT. This is one reliable and fairly comfortable classic car.
PAINT/EXTERIOR: Restoration done 5 years ago. Not concours perfect today but definitely a head turner. Some surface level rust but easily addressable. Impact bumpers shortened for better visual appeal (google the original early 70's standard and you'll see what a different this makes on the look without compromising safety as others remove completely). Stock rims with new tires (1k miles)
INTERIOR: Like new. New headlines, seats look in perfect condition with no fading, chaffing marks. New coco mats in black reminiscent of the era.
ENGINE: Engine is a stock 1976 M10 engine which was the last year of the 2002 model, so it is thought this is the best and most reliable of the series. Fully rebuilt in 2011 (see receipt). Weber carburetors and manual choke require some knowledge of how to operate during cold starts, but easy to get used to, and I believe is worth the small sacrifice as this is a reliable set-up and cheap to repair/replace unlike the Kugelfisher Injection system (tii models) which if not perfect will cause headaches and is expensive to repair. Engine is tight with no smoking on startup or during highway driving (including upon downshifts or sudden release of gas pedal). No overheating experience as I've driven this car up to 3 hrs straight. Mileage of rebuilt engine is approx 6k miles as this car was driven over 1,000mi per year since restoration. This is a daily driver if you wish.
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed transplant from an early 1980s 3 series. If you research this car, you will learn this is the ideal upgrade as it transforms the car for drivability to cope with today's highway speeds. Has a reputation for being 'bullet-proof' as well, similar to the M10 engine on this car.
DRIVE EXPERIENCE: Old school charm. No power steering but easy to cope given car's lightness. Brakes are ample for this vehicle and so I confidently drive at over 80mph cruising in highways and maintain same distance with car in front as any other car.
Why am I selling ?? I recently and rather foolishly just bought a 4th classic car "toy" and just need to make room. I believe in driving my cars regularly even in winters when there are no traces of salt on the road. It's the only way to keep any classic in good shape as far as I'm concerned and also best way to just enjoy them.