BMW 2002 GT4 Coupé

The BMW 2002 GT4 Coupé Frua is a fascinating one-off creation designed by Pietro Frua in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Built upon the engineering platform of the iconic BMW 2002 T, this coupé was a collaboration between Frua and the automotive manufacturer Glas, which was acquired by BMW in 1966. Frua, who had already made significant contributions to the design of Glas automobiles, shifted his focus to BMW after the acquisition and developed several body designs for the German automaker. The BMW 2002 GT4 Coupé Frua was introduced at the 1970 Paris Motor Show, offering a bold and innovative take on the BMW 2002 series. The design, while striking, was not adopted for mass production by BMW, as the company was exploring its own coupé designs at the time. Despite not making it to production, the GT4 Coupé stands out for its unique styling and the craftsmanship of Frua, who was known for his elegant and distinctive approach to automobile design. Notably, the BMW 2002 GT4 Frua featured a revised three-window design, which differed slightly between the two cars that were produced. Only two examples of this design were ever made, adding to the car’s rarity and desirability among collectors today. The differences in the third side window between the two cars make each example of the BMW 2002 GT4 Frua unique. The collaboration between Frua and BMW (and by extension, Glas) was part of a larger effort by the coachbuilder to design special bodies for well-known automotive brands. While the 2002 GT4 Frua was not adopted for production, it remains a testament to Frua’s creativity and his ability to bring forward bold design concepts that pushed the boundaries of automotive styling during that era. Today, the BMW 2002 GT4 Coupé Frua is a rare collector’s item, valued for its historical significance and its connection to both Frua’s unique design style and the early years of BMW’s expansion into more diverse models. The car is a rare example of the collaboration between Italy’s legendary design houses and Germany’s engineering prowess, making it an important piece in automotive history.