Photo: BMW
Wanting to launch the 2015 B6 xDrive Gran Coupe on the US market with a bang, BMW and Alpina decided to entertain the audience on set at the 2014 Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion with a rare and absolutely gorgeous car that was just restored.
The vehicle in question is a 1970 Alpina 2002ti, one of the first cars the German tuner worked on, since it was founded. The car will be driven by Sam Smith, Road & Track’s Executive Editor on the Laguna Seca, next week.
Since it was just a draft on a piece of paper, this racing 2002ti was designed to use Alpina’s signature Weber side draft carburetors, of which it has two, one for every two cylinders. Back in the day, this 2002ti was at the top of the food chain.
The 2-liter engine makes 220 HP at 8,000 RPM and has to carry around just 1,990 lbs (902 kg). Hooked up to a 5-speed manual transmission and fitted with McPherson struts, 4-wheel ventilated discs and 3-piece magnesium/aluminum wheels, the Alpina 2002ti is absolutely crazy to drive on track.
This exact car was sold in late 1970 to Vasek Polak BMW of Hermosa Beach, California where it was kept and campaigned by Competition of Torrance in SCCA events in 1971 and 1972 after which it was retired from all competitions.
The next 24 years of its life were spent in storage after BMW North America acquired it and then restored it to its former glory, with a non-period-correct livery. Since 1996 it was used in historic races, in the hands of Nick Craw, John Morton, Danica Patrick, Boris Said, Bill Auberlen and Tommy Milner.
Now, it was once again painted in its original livery, with the 1970 Alpina Team Orange with Semi-Gloss Black hood and rear deck livery. Everything was done as it should, even the steering wheel was redone in the original leather.
BMW enthusiasts will be able to take a closer look at it and the new B6 Biturbo xDrive Gran Coupe model at the 2014 Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion that is set to take place next Thursdays at Laguna Seca.
Since it was just a draft on a piece of paper, this racing 2002ti was designed to use Alpina’s signature Weber side draft carburetors, of which it has two, one for every two cylinders. Back in the day, this 2002ti was at the top of the food chain.
The 2-liter engine makes 220 HP at 8,000 RPM and has to carry around just 1,990 lbs (902 kg). Hooked up to a 5-speed manual transmission and fitted with McPherson struts, 4-wheel ventilated discs and 3-piece magnesium/aluminum wheels, the Alpina 2002ti is absolutely crazy to drive on track.
This exact car was sold in late 1970 to Vasek Polak BMW of Hermosa Beach, California where it was kept and campaigned by Competition of Torrance in SCCA events in 1971 and 1972 after which it was retired from all competitions.
The next 24 years of its life were spent in storage after BMW North America acquired it and then restored it to its former glory, with a non-period-correct livery. Since 1996 it was used in historic races, in the hands of Nick Craw, John Morton, Danica Patrick, Boris Said, Bill Auberlen and Tommy Milner.
Now, it was once again painted in its original livery, with the 1970 Alpina Team Orange with Semi-Gloss Black hood and rear deck livery. Everything was done as it should, even the steering wheel was redone in the original leather.
BMW enthusiasts will be able to take a closer look at it and the new B6 Biturbo xDrive Gran Coupe model at the 2014 Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion that is set to take place next Thursdays at Laguna Seca.
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