THE ICON: 50 Years of the 2002 opened to 500 reserved ticket holders on Friday, May 18…with an additional 30+ walk-ins also lucky enough to see the show in its debut. This extraordinary show is on view through January 2019, and is brought to you by The Werk Shop.
Twenty-seven exceptional BMW 2002s opened the show, gathered from collections across the country, and assembled into four groupings: Stock, Variants, Modified and Race. Despite the fact that every car is a BMW 2002, the variety for the eye is stunning. Beyond the many colors and variations of stock examples, the Variants (cars never sold in the United States) include the world’s best 2002 Vollcabriolet, Baur Cabriolet, Turbo, Touring, and an ultra-rare Lux.
The Modified Grouping, sponsored by Yokohama Tire,features several amazing cars that are not to be missed, including Ali Javidan’s incredible creation, and Robert Chandler’s Estoril-blue tribute to the Turbo…but with a pristine E30 M3 engine tucked under the bonnet.
The 02’s racing heritage is also celebrated. The very first BMW ever to win points in a sanctioned race in North America was the Hyde Park Motors 2002, and the car proudly leads a contingent of four significant 02 racers. Included also is the Miller-Norburn #64, the first BMW to ever win a championship at a North American track.
Opening Day also featured talks from three BMW cult celebrities: BMW author and researcher Jackie Jouret gave a talk about her research for the ICONexhibition book, already being hailed as perhaps the best all-around book on the 2002 ever produced. Her research in Munich uncovered rare treasures, such as design drawings never before published…until now. She also found evidence that the “Max Hoffman” creation myth regarding the 2002’s development is just that…a myth. (Buy the book and get some schoolin’)
Hack Mechanic Rob Siegel also gave this unique perspective on the 2002, and regaled the crowd with the story of Louie…his sturdy but previously neglected 2002 featured in the book Ran When Parked. Siegel is immensely popular with the 02 crowd, and folks were hanging on every word.
Finally, BMW-commissioned artist Adrian Valentin Mitu talked about his astonishing BMW art featured at the Museum, including the 100-piece Blue Coffee collection, and the new Jochen Neerpasch tribute painting, Blue Hero. Adrian and his wife Monica traveled all the way from Romania to attend the opening and debut the painting, owned by Foundation Trustee Mike Ura.
THE ICON: 50 Years of the 2002 is the best birthday party in the world for the little car that built a brand, ignited a cult, and launched the largest car club in the world. In addition to the cars, the museum is also packed to the rafters with hundreds of pieces of 2002-related art and other rarities.
THE ICON runs through January 2019, and is presented by The Werk Shop, along with Modified Grouping Sponsor Yokohama Tire, Car Care Sponsor Griot’s Garage, and partners Bavarian Autosport, Classic BMW, CocoMats, and Odometer Gears. We’re grateful for all of them!
Plan your road trip and come see the show. Even the most jaded 2002 fanatic will learn something new.
~ John Strom
