Early on in the Clarion Builds BMW restomod it was decided that two-time Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg would put the Clarion Builds BMW to the test
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To commemorate the completion of the Clarion Builds 2002, Clarion and its partners threw an exclusive media-only track event at Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside, California
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The Clarion Corporation of America chose to restore a 1974 BMW 2002 as its first project under the Clarion Builds program. The process began with a complete tear down, followed by extensive rust repair. Once the body was back to like-new condition, Diamond Hills Collision Center applied a fresh coat of primer and a treated the 2002 to a shiny new factory Fjord Blue paint job. Following the paint and body work, the Clarion Builds 1974 BMW 2002 was trailered back to the CoupeKing BMW specialist shop for assembly.
The well-worn BMW 2.0-liter engine received repairs and upgrades at the same time. Suspension, brakes, wheels, and tires are all new units from aftermarket companies such as Wilwood Brakes, BBS Wheels, and Toyo tires. Clarion Builds installed an aftermarket exhaust from Magnaflow, and a dual side draft Weber carburetor system from Ireland Engineering. This custom dual carburetor system made it necessary for K&N to build a one-off custom air cleaner assembly. K&N designers created a rather unique oval K&N high-flow air cleaner built to tie both carburetors into a single low-profile air filter assembly.
K&N designers created a rather unique oval K&N high-flow air cleaner for the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 designed to tie both carburetors into a single low-profile air filter assembly
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The media was buzzing as the reigning Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg hopped into the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 and prepared to see exactly what the car was made of
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After the Clarion Builds 1974 BMW 2002 left K&N headquarters it went back to Clarion for final touches before being put on display at the 2015 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Even as meticulously restored as the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 is, the car was never intended to be a trailer queen. Early on in the build it was decided that two-time Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg would put the Clarion Builds BMW to the test. After scouting several locations it was decided that Clarion USA and its partners would throw an exclusive media-only track event at Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside, California to commemorate the completion of the iconic ‘74 BMW 2002.
The media was buzzing as the reigning Formula Drift champion Chris Forsberg hopped into the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 and prepared to see exactly what the car was made of. It has been nearly 40 years since the last BMW O2, as owners call them, rolled off the Bavarian Motor Works assembly line. However, the “New Class” of sport sedans created by the BMW 2002 helped establish BMW’s notoriety in the compact sporting sedan market and would serve as the forerunner to the BMW 2 and 3-series. The BMW 2002 was rated between 100 and 120 horsepower from the factory, however upgraded components were used during the engine rebuild in hopes of achieving modern levels of power.
After Chris Forsberg turned out several solo laps in the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 it was time to start giving the press, as well as two lucky fans, a ride along they wouldn’t soon forget
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The Clarion Builds BMW 2002 isn’t the high-horsepower Nissan 370Z race car that Formula Drift champ Chris Forsberg usually drives; yet he had no trouble getting the BMW up to speed
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While the inaugural Clarion Builds project has wrapped up, this is neither the end for the ’74 2002 or the Clarion Builds program. In fact, the BMW 2002 was merely a first step for Clarion and its partners, like K&N air filters, to tackle unique restoration projects of iconic cars and trucks, as well as motorcycles and boats in the near future. Clarion USA has a greater purpose for the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 as well. After travelling to a number of shows and giving enthusiasts the opportunity to see the car up close and personal, Clarion plans to put the car up for auction with all the proceeds going to charity. More details on how the Clarion Builds BMW 2002 could possibly be yours will be coming in the near future.
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Chris Forsberg flicked the car back and forth around the Adam’s Motorsports Park track with ease, which only helped reinforce BMW’s reputation as the ultimate driving machine
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The “New Class” of sport sedans created by the BMW 2002 helped establish BMW’s notoriety in the compact sporting sedan market and would serve as the forerunner to the BMW 3-series
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Headquartered in Cypress, California, Clarion Corporation of America is a subsidiary of Japan-based Clarion Co. Ltd, which has been a consolidated subsidiary of the Hitachi Group since 2006. Clarion has been an international leader in car audio and electronics since 1940. The company is engaged in the research, development, engineering, design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of mobile entertainment, navigation, infotainment, communication, safety and security products for the automotive, marine, recreational vehicle, commercial fleet and heavy industry environments. Clarion has been the recipient of numerous excellence awards for design, innovation, support, manufacturing and product reliability from independent organizations. The company has marketing and sales affiliates in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. Clarion is located on the web at www.clarion.com.
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