Description
This is lot number 126 in the Bonhams Zoute sale on October 6th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Rare and exclusive limited edition model
Desirable interior-exterior colour combination
Present private ownership since 2014
Purchased directly from BMW Classic in Munich
Full service history since then with invoices on file
French registration document
In recent times many motor manufacturers, particularly those with a significant sporting heritage, have felt the need to reference iconic models from the past when launching their latest. BMW has proved adept at exploiting this 'retro' trend, commencing in 1996 with the Z3 coupé and convertible, the styling of which brilliantly recalled its fabulous '328' sports car of pre-war days. Its next effort along similar lines - the 'Z07' concept car of 1997 - took its inspiration from the post-war Alfred Goetz-designed '507', a luxurious limited-edition roadster.
The sensation of the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show, the Z07 was received so enthusiastically that BMW decided to proceed with a production version: the Z8. For the most part the Z8 remained remarkably faithful to the original concept, retaining the 507-like twin-nostril front grille and distinctive front-wing vents. A period-style interior had been one of the Z07's most remarked upon features, and that too made it into the Z8.
The Z8's body panelling and bespoke spaceframe chassis were fabricated in lightweight and corrosion resistant aluminium, while the 32-valve 4, 941cc V8 engine, shared with the M5 saloon, was built by BMW's Motorsport division. With 400bhp on tap, the Z8 raced to 100km/ h in 4. 7 seconds and only the built-in rev limiter stopped it from exceeding 250km/ h. It was rumoured that 290km/ h was achievable with the restrictor removed...
Power reached the run-flat tyres via a Getrag six-speed manual gearbox. Needless to say, the Z8 also came with all the modern appurtenances one would expect of a flagship model: traction control, stability control, front and side air bags, GPS navigation, climate control and power operation of the seats, steering wheel and convertible hood all being included in the package.
The fact that the Z8 was a low-volume model assembled, for the most part, by hand, enabled BMW to offer customers considerable freedom in personalising their cars. Further enhancing its appeal to collectors, the factory announced that a 50-year stockpile of Z8 parts would be maintained. Despite a launch price of over 120, 000, initial demand was so high that a bidding war broke out, with many Z8s selling for well in excess of that figure. By the time production ceased in 2003, 5, 703 of these fabulous cars had been built.
Finished in black with beige interior and matching hardtop (requiring cosmetic refurbishment), this beautiful Z8 Roadster was delivered new to the USA and first registered on 28th February 2001. In 2014 (at 11, 802 miles), the car was purchased and imported into Europe by BMW Classic Munich and that same year was converted to European specification by them, from whom our vendor purchased it. The Z8 has been continuously maintained by the current owner, as evidenced by numerous BMW invoices on file. The car also comes with two additional spare keys; a car cover; French and English owner's manuals; a copy of its 2013 US title; BMW's confirmation letter for the European conversion and a non-exhaustive list of parts used to this effect. In 2023, the car underwent a French contrôle technique with no remarks and is presented with a valid French Carte grise.
