When you think of BMW, you think of sporty saloons with brilliant handling. The BMW 2002 was the first car that cemented that opinion into motoring history. This is an exceptional example of a BMW 2002Tii having been subject to a recent extensive bare shell, bare metal body restoration (with photo record), an electrical overhaul, and a first class mechanical recommissioning program. TYY 409M is a BMW with rich history of historic rallies, impressive maintenance, and a magazine spread covering the car over a 4-page spread. In 2008, TYY 409M was featured in an article about the BMW 2002 in Classic Monthly Magazines' issue of December. The 4-page spread offers a great insight into the model and the history, though the main takeaway is the driving experience offered by the classic German sports saloon. At the time of the article, the Tii was being cherished by its owner in Dorset. Soon thereafter, the 2002 was on a ferry to Dublin where the car remained for several years. November of 2011 was the time that saw the BMW in requirement of a major cosmetic and structural overhaul. The car was inspected prior to being stripped back with all the panels being removed to access any areas of corrosion on the floor pans and wings. With the car fully stripped back, it was professionally renewed and superbly built back up. The 2002tii was then repainted to an exceptional standard. The photographs accompanying the extensive paperwork in the history file demonstrate the great care and attention that went into this recommissioning. The mid-2010s saw TYY 409M back in England in the hands of a couple with a desire to enjoy this example in the best way – rallying around Europe. With many brilliant photos, the memories from the HERO events have been captured. In March of 2015 the 2002 travelled to Belgium to compete in the Poppy Historic Rally. Following the European event, the Throckmorton Challenge was undertaken in October by the owner in Worcester. After attaining its non-competitive sports license issued by the Automobile Club d'Italia in 2019, the BMW was one of 70 cars in the 8th Summer Marathon event touring from Desenzano through Lago Di Garda, Val Di Sole, Trentno, St. Moritz, and finishing at Tour Delle Alpi. In recent history, the car came into an eclectic collection of classic cars before being subject to a further first class external repaint and thorough mechanical restoration. Invoices in the file from Jaymic, 2002 BMW specialists, show a new stainless-steel exhaust, a 1-2-3 electronic ignition, engine mounts, new fuel tank, steering column, Kenlowe cooling fan, Eibach springs, Bilstein shock absorbers, a polybush kit, and a wiring harness being fitted. Along with many other new parts, other parts were refurbished such as the prop shaft, clutch assembly, radiator, and the chrome bumpers. The latest piece of work came in February of this year, TTY409M was presented to BMW Performance Ltd for its annual MOT along with a check over and a replacement OSF calliper. Upon first glance, the striking Red paintwork holds a deep finish with the recently refurbished chromework shining brightly throughout the exterior, enhancing the sleek bodylines of this sports saloon. Raising the car in the air reveals an excellent underside, testament to the quality of the thorough restoration. Inside the cabin you are greeted with beautiful beige leather seats, without any signs of wear contrasted beautifully by Mushroom Brown carpets and the Black leather dash. In the centre of the driver's gaze is a stunning Nardi wood-rim steering wheel that is both comfortable and sporty. The cleanliness and quality continues through to lifting the bonnet, where the powerplant sits among recently replaced or refurbished ancillaries and body-coloured inner wings. As described in the buyer's guide, one of the main reasons this car was so fundamental in the history of the BMW brand was due to its immense handling for the time and being a true drivers' car. Powering the BMW is a 1990cc 8v in-line 4-cylinder engine with a superbly smooth power delivery. Coupled up to the 130bhp unit is a 5-speed manual transmission that feels exceptional correct with strong synchromesh across all gears. The front disc and rear drum brakes offer brilliant stopping power, while the McPherson strut set up on the front suspension offers tremendous agility. For a car very capacious, the driving experience ensures it is a perfect choice for long distance touring as proven in its recent history.