Bay Area 02 Swap & Show 2003
JP Collins
On a warm and sunny May 17th - a flawless Bay Area day - over 100 cars parked on the lawn for the third annual Bay Area 02 Swap & Show. Looking around the field it was hard to believe that there were as many cars as we had counted. But it was true, over a hundred 2002s and a half dozen or so 3.0 Coupes were present. It was a worthy gathering of enthusiasts. And enthusiasm reined this Saturday as parts sellers and car owners alike arrived early.
The focus of the Swap & Show every year is the BMW 2002 but it is also open to
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| Photo: Jerry Church |
the other models BMW built between 1965 and 1976. In the third year of this event more cars showed up than ever including: 2002s, 1600s, 2000s, 02 series tourings, turbos and cabriolets, and 3.0 coupes. Along with the car owners, dealers of both new and used parts displayed their wares.
Not just plain 02s...
One of the best aspects of the show was the diversity of model types. The 02 series boasts a wide variety of vehicles from the 1600 to the turbo and the Swap & Show had an example of almost all varieties.
The biggest surprise and the
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| Photo: Paul Huber |
subject most talked about at the show was the amount of 2002 turbos on display. Of the estimated 10 2002 turbos in California, six were present in Palo Alto at the Swap & Show. It was an impressive site to see them all together. Other variations of the series included a couple of tourings, cabriolets both full versions as well as targas. We also had an electric 2002 in the show. Could we see a new trend in 2002 technology? Perhaps a hybrid is in the future.
Another cool car displayed at the Swap & Show was a new Mini Cooper provided by the BMW Technology Office in Palo Alto. We look forward to their participation again next year and to what they have to offer in future BMW technology.
Experts on hand
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| Bill Watson Photo: Paul Huber |
As with other years, part of the event involved tech sessions and this year was no exception. Our first speaker, Bill Watson of Road Rockets at Sears Point, talked about rear brake conversions for 2002s.
After Bill came Paul Huber and Ed Funahashi who talked about the issues of importing vintage cars into the US from Europe. Both sessions were well attended by event participants and visitors.
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Aside from the cars and the tech session speakers, the single most popular portion of the event was the raffle and silent auction. Prizes were donated by Double 02 Salvage, 2002 AD, Bavarian Professionals, Nate Smith's Optimal Auto, Silicon Garages, World Upholstery & Trim, 2002 Restorations, BMP Design, Ireland Engineering, La Jolla Independent, and Stahl Headers.
A new twist was added to the raffle drawing so that people could try their luck at winning specific prizes or go for the pot-luck of prizes. The silent auction offered a restored 1600 engine, seats and seat covers, custom wheels and a reconditioned radiator.
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| Photo: Paul Huber |
We'd like to Thank:
The 3rd Annual Swap & Show was a great success because of the wide support from the participants showing their cars, the swap meet sellers and visitors. But the show could not have happened with out the sponsors and planning committee.
These sponsors who donated funds and prizes but not mentioned above include: Auto Dynamik in San Francisco, Berkeley Motor Works in Albany, eBay Motors, Palo Alto Bimmer and Pylon Studios. But the supporter we would mostly like to acknowledge is the BMW CCA Golden Gate Chapter. Their monetary support and the use of club equipment for the event made all the difference.
We couldn't do it without any of these sponsors and they deserve your support.
We look forward to next year for Swap & Show 4 and hope that we inspired other 02 owners who didn't show this year to bring their cars out to the lawn for the next year. Until then, see you on the road!
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