Reviving the Bavarian Econ: The BMW 2002 Reimagined

Picture this: it's the year 2040, All petrol cars are banned from the streets. and you're strolling down a dreary Munich street surrounded by electric cars that are about as exciting as a dentist appointment.

But.. Suddenly, a sleek car catches your eye, like a ray of sunshine in a sea of grey. You can't help but approach it, drawn in by its mysterious aura….

As you get closer, you notice the legendary Alpina "pig cheek" widebody and Turbo trunk spoiler.

To your surprise, it is fitted with a spectacular set of period 13" BBS 3 pieces matched with period-correct Michelin classic semi-slicks that tell a story of their own..

But wait,

What's that greenish "Te" in the back?

That's not supposed to be a "Ti,"

is it?

ah my friends, Buckle up, because we're about to venture into a new and controversial territory where forward-thinking, creativity, and a hint to the past reign supreme. 

As we ponder the potential fate of traditional automobile designs in a future where gasoline-powered engines may be outlawed, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the present. And in this moment, one can't help but be drawn to the stunning BMW 2002 before us. Of course, the rare racing accessories are an initial draw, but what really sets this car apart is the ingenious wrap design. Cleverly reminiscent of both the iconic Frank Stella art car and the mistery of a factory test car aesthetic, to top it all it features illustrations that pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of Bavaria.

We all know the BMW 2002 is already a rare sight on the roads. But what's even more uncommon these days is to come across one that's been tastefully modified (although, to be fair, what counts as "tasteful" is a matter of personal opinion). In an age where concours auction prices and social media hype can push valuations sky-high, many owners might be hesitant to mess with their beloved cars. Unless, of course, they're a bit crazy and don't mind ruffling some feathers.

Warning: we're about to enter NSFW territory for purists and petrolheads alike, so brace yourselves. For those who are ready to step outside the box and try something new, we've got a refreshing project to show you.

Lets go stright, here: the pièce de résistance, Is the "Electric Test Vehicle" letters on the side.

That's right, in case you haven't noticed, this BMW 2002 has been converted into a powrful electric resto-mod.

I know, I know, you're eager to know what's under the hood.

Or should i say under the floor or trunk … Hold your horses; we'll get there soon enough.

As people gathered around to see the car in a central Munich street, they couldn't help but wonder:
Is it some kind of a test car from the factory? is it a car from the museum? why does it says “electric test vehicle in such a way it mimics the recurring Munich factory test cars”? The answer is no; it isn't a genius move from BMW.

Allow me to introduce you to Nicolas,

The mastermind behind this enigmatic yet tasteful resto-mod. This man's love for vintage BMWs runs deep, and he's long been searching for a way to channel that passion into something that can inspire a new generation of car enthusiasts.

His vision was to create a machine that would capture the essence of the legendary BMWs, while paying homage to the long-lost flavor of tuners from the 70s and 80s. And now, after countless hours of hard work and meticulous attention to detail, that dream has become a reality.

What began as Nicolas' vision for an electric resto-mod car has grown into something much larger: a startup and a movement aimed at preserving the classic driving experience for future generations in a world where gasoline-powered vehicles may one day be banned. For Nicolas, this mission is personal. He wants his children - and all future people - to be able to appreciate the rich history and analog sensations of vintage cars, just as he does.

As someone who loves to capture the essence of cars through the lens of a retro-inspired Fuji camera with analog controls but powerful and reliable  digital sensors, I can relate to the appeal of blending old-school controls and aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.

dont get me wrong, nothing can compare to the feeling of driving a petrol engine, shifting gears and hearing the roaring engine or taking photographs with film, These things will never cease to exist, but it's important to accept that times change, and we must adapt to preserve the best user experiences of the past while embracing the ease and efficiency of new technology.

Nicolas's wife Silvia and his brothers, Edgar and Santiago, have joined him in this exciting adventure, and together they have amassed an impressive list of partners and friends in the scene.

Fancy a ride down the exhilarating B roads of Germany with the 2002 Econ?

Well, buckle up, because in the second part of our restomod series, we're heading north to witness the meticulous factory process behind the conversion of a vintage car into a state-of-the-art electric.

And that's not all - we'll also be getting behind the wheel to experience the driving sensation first-hand.

So, stay tuned.