“When we began the Clarion Builds program in 2014, we knew that, to be disruptive, we'd need to take on project cars that are iconic and strike an emotional chord with old-school and budding automotive enthusiasts alike. The BMW 2002 is that kind of car,” said Allen H. Gharapetian, Vice President of Marketing and Product Planning for Clarion Corporation of America and Chief of the Clarion Builds Program.
Technically, this 2002 is a work of restomod, short for a restoration, but modified. The restoration is beautiful but not necessarily back to original. In addition to a Euro Lux Package with perforated leather in Oyster, the car received a Nardo steering wheel and accessories, period-correct BBS RS wheels, updated Wilwood disc brakes on both axles, and an adjustable ride height suspension. The 2002’s engine was rebuilt, modified, tuned, and mated to a five-speed gearbox. The infotainment system is extensive, as you might expect from Clarion, with a cloud-connected audio system, touchscreen, Bluetooth, and navigation.
The Clarion Corporation of America created Clarion Builds as a marketing program. By taking on the restoration of iconic cars and trucks in cooperation with key partners, Clarion Builds hopes to reach a wide range of automotive enthusiasts.
Barrett-Jackson is the most widely known collector car auction. It is famous for having many of the most beautiful and expensive vehicles in the country go across its auction block, for which it collects a handsome commission. What is not so widely known is that Barrett-Jackson routinely accepts a small number of cars that will be auctioned for charity without charging the commission, so that the entire selling price goes to the designated charity.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of Clarion Builds via Inautonews.]
