BMW Z8 Roadster, 2000
BMW Z8
BMW Z8•
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Chassis No.: WBAEJ11020AF77419
Estimate: £150,000 - £200,000 GBP
- One owner from new
- Registration no. W607 OSS
- Rare and exclusive limited edition model
- One of 5,703 built
- Supplied new in Germany
- 41,186 miles from new
- Full BMW service history
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 took the decision to press ahead 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 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 (62mph) in 4.7 seconds and only the built-in rev limiter stopped it from exceeding 250km/h (155mph). 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 (US) launch price of over $128,000, 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.
This Z8 was purchased new by the vendor from Frankfurt BMW and used by him in Germany and Switzerland before being brought to their UK country house. An exceptionally well maintained example, the car comes with full BMW service history and a good supporting file, including bills from BMW Norwich. Since 2018 the Z8 has been maintained by BMW specialists BMP Conversions in Norfolk. Bills total some £21,000 for works/parts including new VANOS units, lambda sensors, engine servicing, etc, etc. The body has recently been repainted professionally by Pronto Prestige in Norwich (bill for £7,600). Showing a little over 41,000 miles on the odometer, and freshly MoT'd, we are advised this Z8 has never wanted for anything, presents beautifully and drives without fault. A true collectors' BMW.
