For sale: this very rare BMW 2002 Targa could be yours

This is a very rare, very old, very green BMW, and it’s coming up for auction very soon.

If you’re not immediately scrambling every penny you can find, a moment to ponder on one of the coolest BMWs ever built. This is a 1973 BMW 2002 Targa offered at Gooding & Co's Pebble Beach sale; a car featuring coachwork by storied Stuttgart builder Baur.

Taking the base 2002, Baur provided a very striking new upper section. Below the belt-line it’s all classic 2002, which means a perfectly proportioned and sized three-box saloon. On top however, Baur chopped out the top part of the roof, and created an almost flat-bed style with the rear part of the roof stowed. As cabriolets go, it’s certainly unique.

Only 2,317 were ever built, though you’d think that number even lower considering the relative paucity of these things ever crossing the public gaze. There’s a single-carb 2.0-litre four-cylinder up front, sending 100bhp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual. Proper power back in the Seventies.

This one’s showing 62,229km on the clock and appears to be in absolutely spotless condition. Properly good colour, too.

It’s part of ‘The Rudy ‘Mr 993’ Mancinas Collection’ at Gooding’s Pebble Beach sale next month. Back in 2020 Gooding sold one of these Targas for $38,080. Only last month one went elsewhere for $46,500. This one's estimated to go for between $55k and $65k, though there's no reserve.

What’s your guestimate?

Images: Brian Henniker, copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company