VIDEO: A BMW That Helped The Company Make Inroads In The States And It's NOT The 2002...

When people think of BMW arriving in the US, they think of the 2002. That's because it was tremendously popular and is credited with getting the Bavarians established here stateside.

While that is largely true, the reality is that there are some unsung heroes. The 2000 CA is one of them.

Looking a bit like a landshark with pillarless side profile, it is a sight to behold. Possibly because it also is the basis for the 3.0 CSi and CSL.

But it also represents something else. Quality over quantity and an iconic look. Check out that kidney grille and Hofmeister kink. There's no way you're confusing it with something else German.

Listen to the story of one passionate SoCal-based owner and his 2000 CA to get the gist.

“You picture, back in ’69, the guy that got in here, i mean, he had the coat and tie, thin cigarette in his mouth and driving this luxurious thing—to him, it was a Bentley of the time,” says Emin Kureghian. “Today, I get in, slam the door shut, turn it on, step on the gas; it’s not going anywhere and I have a laugh.”

“They were pretty generic cars, there wasn’t much to it,” he says. He’s right: the car here sports a carbureted 4-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, skinny 14-inch wheels and tall tires, all a far cry from what BMW offers its customers today. Acquired at a charity auction after being in long-term storage, the car is unrestored but has been cleaned up and turned into a fine driver.

Designed in-house by BMW, its spec sheet isn’t what matters: “It’s kind of a hybrid between the 02 and the newer coupes. It’s got lines from both—if you take a good look, you can see both sides of the story.”

“The fact that it pulled [BMW] out of a sales slump is really something, like a whole new generation...almost like the E30 of its generation.”

If Emin restores the car, it’ll be taken back to its original color, but for the time being, he’s just driving it tastefully, safe in the knowledge he’s been able to keep a part of history alive.

“I’m part of the cause, so to speak—to me, it’s home.”

MDarringer - 10/31/2016 9:45:02 AM

+1 Boost

There is definitely "something" to old cars. New cars are just so perfect and refined that it's easy to lose sight of motoring. I would much rather go for a drive in a 914/914-6 than a 718 Boxster/Cayman. Yes, the latter would kill the former for performance, but the elemental nature of the 914 is a delight.

Similarly, I love the Shelby GT350, but a 68 GT500KR is more fun. Both are raucous, but with the 1968, you feel closer to death. The engine shakes the entire car. There are no safety features. The brakes require you to be much more deliberate when applying them.

I suspect that when I finally get to see the 2018 TVR Griffith (rumored to be the name), a part of me will prefer a 3000M.

But I love wrenching on cars, so oldies are a part of my life.

carsnyc - 11/3/2016 11:08:58 PM

+1 Boost

Beautiful. So BMW.