Background
BMW 2004 was one of the most unusual models in BMW history. Produced exclusively in South Africa, its origins could be traced back to the Glas 1700 developed in Germany. After BMW acquired Glas, the body design continued to be used in South Africa, where locally produced cars combined it with BMW engines and mechanical components. A major redesign in 1973 resulted in the BMW 2004, creating one of the most distinctive side branches in BMW’s model history.
The Glas heritage
Praetor Monteerders, the predecessor of BMW’s South African manufacturing operation, began assembling BMW 1800 and 2000 models using the Glas-derived body during the late 1960s. These later became known as the 1800 SA and 2000 SA. Although their engines and mechanical components came from BMW, the Pietro Frua-designed body originated with the Glas 1700 and gave the cars an appearance quite different from BMW models built in Germany.
A new BMW face
In 1973, the cars were extensively redesigned to bring their appearance closer to the rest of the BMW range. The BMW 2004 received the characteristic kidney grille, twin round headlights, new bumpers and revised rear styling. According to the history of BMW Plant Rosslyn, the interior and suspension were also upgraded. The result retained the basic Glas-derived body but looked much more recognisably like a contemporary BMW.
2.0-litre BMW engine
The BMW 2004 used a 1,990 cm³ four-cylinder in-line engine derived from the BMW 2000 and producing 100 hp. Power was sent to the rear wheels. The manual version used a four-speed gearbox, while a three-speed automatic 2004 A was also available. The model therefore combined its unusual body origins with proven BMW Neue Klasse engineering.
Exclusive to South Africa
The BMW 2004 was produced at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in South Africa and was not offered as a regular production model in Europe. Production of the revised car began in August 1973 and it reached local dealerships the following month. BMW Plant Rosslyn began producing the first 5 Series in 1974, making the period of the 1804 and 2004 particularly short.
A rare branch of BMW history
The BMW 2004 is particularly fascinating because of its mixed heritage: a Glas body designed by Pietro Frua, BMW engines and running gear, and a later redesign that gave it a distinctly BMW appearance. There was no direct equivalent in BMW’s normal European model range. According to AutoCult, 1,288 examples of the BMW 2004 were produced, making surviving cars very rare today.
Model in the collection
The BMW 2004 in my collection was produced by AutoCult and represents a 1973 car. AutoCult markets the model as the BMW 2004 M. It is a limited-edition model, with a total production run of 333 examples.
Technical data in brief
Production period: 1973–1974
Production location: BMW Plant Rosslyn, South Africa
Body style: four-door saloon
Body origins: Glas 1700, designed by Pietro Frua
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line
Displacement: 1,990 cm³
Power: 100 hp
Transmission: 4-speed manual, with 3-speed automatic also available
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
Production: 1,288 cars according to AutoCult
Special feature: South Africa-only BMW combining a Glas-derived body with BMW engineering
Photo of the real car. Source: bmwblog.com