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BMW 2000 Touring. Half a century for this compact hatchback

Designed as access models to the BMW range after the success of the New Class sedans and coupes, the 2 Series had a multitude of engines and options. One of them was to carry a body known as Touring, which formed an advanced hatchback with a wide tailgate and good access to the cargo space. It appeared with the first update of the range in 1971, now turning half a century as a highly prized car among collectors.

Before World War II, BMW was a leading and established company. So much so that he even allowed himself to boast like the 328. The fantastic sports car capable of marking an era. Protagonist of the 1940 Mille Miglia, in which the official team of the Bavarian house achieved victory. Also occupying the third, fifth and sixth positions in a demonstration of cutting-edge technology unmatched at the time. Nevertheless, after the end of the war his factory in Munich was devastated by the bombings. In addition, that of Eisenach ended up in the hands of the Soviets because it was in the area that from 1949 would be the GDR.

As it is, BMW spent some really difficult years where it even had to manufacture kitchen equipment to survive. In fact, even four years after the war the only vehicle made by BMW was the R24 motorcycle. A situation that began to emerge in 1951 with the 501. An imposing luxury saloon with six and eight cylinder mechanics, which made a great contrast to the Isetta. The microcar produced under license from the Italian ISO. Ideal for the post-war market but unsuitable for a company with the prestige of BMW.

With this range marked by bipolarity, BMW still lacked well into the fifties of a model suitable for the new middle classes. Just the type of model that every brand needs to make massive sales and ensure its survival. Survival that in the case of BMW was in question, becoming more and more plausible its absorption by Daimler. However, the appearance in 1959 of the 700 twin-cylinder boosted sales, saving the brand's independence.

bmw 2000 touring

A trend that was reinforced with the appearance of the New Class Sedans in 1962 and the more compact Series 2 in 1966. Models that in their first update -1971- had a body as interesting as that of the 2000 Touring which now celebrates half a century of existence.

BMW 2000 TOURING. EXPANDING THE SERIES 2 OFFERING

Conceived as a short version of the New Class, the models of the primitive 2 Series - the current one started in 2014 - finally settled BMW's accounts by exceeding 800.000 units sold. In that sense, these cars with displacements that ranged from 1 to 6 liters they offered the middle classes a car for everyday use but with the qualities and prestige of BMW. Just the approach that the brand replicated from 1975 with the launch of the E21. The origin of the everlasting compact Series 3. Dominated by two-door bodies, these models successfully played the role of entry-level model.

In addition, as a consequence of their dimensions, the Series 2 had a contained weight. Characteristic that, together with the rear propulsion and good dynamic behavior, made these models the perfect base for sports cars as remarkable as the 2002 Turbo from 1973. The first turbocharged model in the history of the German house. Capable of increasing the power of the hitherto sportier versions by more than a third, thus reaching up to 170CV. Undoubtedly the most aggressive exponent of the Series 2. Which it had been since 1969 reaping such important successes as the victory in its class in the European Touring Car Championship thanks to 2002.

This racing success only increased the brand's prestige. Which saw the return of this sporting effort in rising sales rates. Thus, From the beginning, an attempt was made to provide the Series 2 not only with versatility in its range of engines, but also in its bodywork.. In this way, along with various more or less refined finishes, the convertible version appeared. A model with a clear playful inclination. Which was balanced in 1971 with a practical version of 2000. Equipped with a hatchback body with the wide tailgate that integrates the rear window giving easy access to the cargo space.

A VERSION AHEAD OF ITS TIME

The 2 Series were designed as smaller entry models than the New Class saloons and coupes. Which is why they always had a short battle. In this way, the bodies had to be two-door. Although always with a marked and protruding third volume where the trunk was integrated. Thus, the body of the 2000 Touring was quite audacious when it was introduced in 1971. Posing a line with only two volumes. Doing a style exercise that at the time only had the R16 within the large series European cars. And yes, being a five-door vehicle.

That is why the idea of ​​the BMW 2000 Touring is very special. Since it represents one of the few hatchback models made in Europe in a small format and with only three doors and not five. An experiment that BMW replicated years later with the 3 1993 Series Compact. A vehicle of acceptance divided in opinions although backed by a good commercial outlet. Contrast with the meager sales of the 2000 Touring - less than 2000 assembled copies. Which many attribute to this model It was ahead of its time with this body that gave full practicality to a model that could well have sporty airs.

In fact, the preparer Alpina He did not hesitate to power up to 170CV some BMW 2000 Touring of which only four are suspected. In contrast, the standard mechanics ranged from 85 to 130CV depending on the displacement chosen from among all those available for the Touring model. In addition, you could choose between versions with carburettor and others with injection. Choice that was added to being able to choose between the four-speed manual gearbox and an automatic. A whole panoply of options that, however, did not save from ceasing production of the BMW 1974 Touring in 2000.

Photographs: BMW Classic / RM Sotheby's

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

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