Car of the Month

December 2008

Michael Dubois 2002

Want to see your 02 featured here? Email me any 02, any condition richstern@hotmail.com.

The year 2002 (not the car) arrived, and with it, my renewed interest in acquiring another ‘02. That same year “The Alpina” (as this particular car is known in California because of its significant Alpina parts content) came up for sale. I had seen the car in the Macartney book. Discussions, rumors, opinions, gossip, etc were circulating on the internet, including test drives taken and inspection reports from potential buyers. The car was not in “show room” condition and really needed a paint job, which prevented most people from truly realizing the beauty of the car. The mechanicals were all there –I own a body shop…it needs a paint job…..perfect match…this could be an advertising tool for my business! I obtained permission, and bought the car sight unseen. The next day we flew 300 miles to pick it up. I asked my wife to retain her veto powers, and to honestly stop me if, after the test drive, she considered this car not to be “worthy”. Five minutes into the test drive she said: “turn around, I am flying back, you drive it home.”

And so it began, my personal journey with “The Alpina”…

Up to this point, I had as much fun fixing and modifying my 02s as I had driving them. The dilemma - aside from a paint job, the Alpina really didn’t need any repairs, major restoration or “upgrades.” Since tinkering was not in the cards, it was decided, from the beginning, to share it with anyone that would show any curiosity. In fact, in my six years of ownership, of the 6,000 miles added on the odometer, half were driven by other people. Sharing this car with other enthusiasts (aka 02 freaks) has given me more smiles that if I had simply kept it for my own consumption. It has been a vehicle (no pun intended) for meeting other people and driving each others’ 2002s. At the end of the drive, keys were returned, and another 02 friendship was made.

Most of the miles on the Alpina have been logged on what I call my personal Nurburgring. Locally, the road is officially known as Quien Sabe Road (Spanish for ‘who knows?’). A 13 mile loop of 2-lane country road, almost always completely empty, perfect for spirited driving. Driving the Alpina on Quien Sabe is a coveted “must do” for any of my out of town visitors!

The Alpina finally got a well deserved paint job last year and European flush markers-the only liberties I have taken with the car.

As much as I have tried to make it “my car,” I remain its steward (the fourth one). I am somewhat ambivalent as I embark on this last chapter of my Alpina journey- the ‘letting go.’

Above (In front of the winery)
Custom front air dam, Marchal A4 and Cibies driving lights. The front air dam blends with the front nose and fenders in a seamless fashion.

Above (Top view)
The car still retains the classic 02 looks despite of the subtle body modifications.

Above (Engine compartment)
Stage 2 engine modifications include 10:1 pistons, 284 cam, reworked head, exhaust, pump, intake. Suspension is race tuned and includes Alpina Bilsteins dampers and a rare Alpina modification on the rear subframe.

Above (picture driving with the lights on)
Driving Quien Sabe Rd.

Above (Rear end picture with hills in background)
With zero offset the 11 lbs Campis offer the widest possible stance, helped by the almost invisible pulled and reworked quarters and fenders.

Above (Picture with left fender)
Another view of the subtle bodywork on fender necessary to clear the wheels.

Above (Interior picture)
The Alpina is fully equipped with additional instrumentation, including a rally type chronograph, 5 speed close ratio, 40% limited slip differential, manual cold start, and jacks for two way communication.