Description
This is absolutely stunning. With comprehensive service history from new (13 entries), this rare and desirable 231BHP 3-litre automatic example, presented in virtually unmarked Black coachwork with heated Black leather interior and sitting on gorgeous 19” BMW alloys ticks every box going. Evidently cherished throughout it`s life, this highly appointed roadster not only looks the part but drives superbly indicative of the regular maintenance and servicing. An appreciating modern classic, these facelift 3. 0 models offer astonishing performance and superb value for money. One to watch for the future too.
Launched in the Autumn of 1995, the Z3 came in two distinct body styles - Coupe and Roadster - with a choice of 4 or 6-cylinder engines (from 1796cc to 3246cc in the M-Series) and a wide variety of colours and trims. Designed by Joji Nagashima and built exclusively at the Spartanburg (Greer) plant in South Carolina, the Z3 was a complete departure for the company but was met with worldwide acclaim enjoying a 7-year production run. The UK saw 4-cylinder cars from 1996 onwards with the inline 6-cylinder 2798cc coming just over a year later with a choice of either 5-speed manual or 4-speed GM Hydra-Matic gearbox. The 2. 8, as it was known, ran through to mid-1999 being replaced by the more powerful 3. 0 litre as part of a mid-production facelift. In addition to the new 231BHP engine, these later models all benefitted from a 2. 5” wider track, redesigned head and tail-lights, upgraded electronic stability control, three-layer convertible roof insulation, revised interiors and new badging. Automatic versions now benefitted from the GM 5L40 transmission, a 5-speed gearbox used widely across cars from the General Motors range.
Our car dates from March 2002 and as such would have been one of the last Z3`s built. Supplied new through Sytner of Gerrards Cross on the 15th March to a gentleman in Watford, the car remained local to the area moving to Hemel Hempstead in 2004. Early servicing (up to 48, 886 miles) was undertaken by BMW dealers (Milcars, Scothall Watford and Altwood) with specialist maintenance commencing in October 2006 when the Z3 was serviced and sold by Chelmsford Carriage Company for £12, 000. Purchased by a local gentleman, the car was maintained locally before being part exchanged in the summer of 2010 at Team Traction, a Suzuki dealership in Canterbury, Kent. Once again, they prepared and serviced the Z3 before selling it in August to a couple from Ashford. Team Traction saw the car a year later for servicing (now with 88, 702 miles) before the Z3 was sold again moving to Rye in East Sussex. There it was maintained by a local garage who ultimately bought it as stock in May 2015, selling it a month later to a lady from Colchester. A local performance car specialist continued were employed to maintain the car thereafter albeit the Z3 was used exclusively as a summer car covering less than 10, 000 miles in 5 years. In the summer of 2020, it changed hands again moving back to Chelmsford where it fell into the capable hands of German car specialists, Schilward Motors Ltd. They saw the Z3 three times over the next 12 months including undertaking a detailed major service in February 2021 at 112, 259 miles. This included a full front brake overhaul, replaced anti-roll bar links, oil and filter change, wiper blades and tyres. In February 2022, the car was sold once again to an enthusiast and German car collector in Colchester and has remained there until today, only being sold as the gentleman is moving house and sadly had to trim down his collection.
The car presents just as one would hope. The photographs tell the story - virtually unmarked Black paintwork, very clean 19” alloys and a superb full Black leather interior with Black carpets. Other than just light wear commensurate with age, the condition of the heated seats reflect that of the whole cabin with excellent door cards and dashboard sporting the original, factory fit Blaupunkt stereo. The fully electric hood goes up and down at the push of a button and whilst showing a little light wear around the rear glass `screen, is perfectly serviceable and 100% watertight. Turn the key and that gorgeous inline 6-cylinder fires up immediately. On the road, the Z3 is a delight with astonishing performance, seamless changes from the GM-sourced automatic gearbox with instant kick-down when required, fabulous handing and superb stopping ability from the recently overhauled braking system. On a warm Bank Holiday Monday, I piloted the Z3 along the A35 down to Bridport and then back along the coast road through Burton Bradstock to Abbotsbury. What a joy! It feels almost like a baby supercar and does everything you`d expect of a well-maintained BMW and more. The ultimate driving machine - this could be it!
The Z3 comes with a substantial history file including the full dealer book-pack with a full set of books including the Owners`s Handbook and Service Inspection Book (10 stamps plus 3 entries not included), a folder of receipts to accompany the maintenance history, 3 sales invoices from 2006, 2010 and 2015 respectively, every MoT Certificate from 2010 to the present day and a current Certificate to January 2024. The car further benefits from 2 sets of keys, a set of the original 16” alloy wheels and a full car cover. A fresh 12-month MoT Certificate will be issued on sale.
A rare and very desirable Roadster with superb provenance.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
