1991 BMW Z1 Roadster
Chassis no. WBABA91000AL06826

"The car (Z1) was not especially cheap to buy but was built to BMW's traditionally high standards. Some regarded the car as faultless, and it was certainly among the best-handling sports cars, but the important point for BMW was its standing. BMW had returned to making true sports cars after many years' absence." – Lawrence Meredith, BMW: 1975 – 2001.

A 'concept car' first shown by BMW in 1986 and officially presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1987, the Z1 sports roadster was used to showcase emerging automotive technologies, including the 'internal skeleton' method of construction best known for its use by Rover in the 2000 model of 1963. Moulded plastic panels clothed the galvanised steel chassis, which was braced by a moulded composite under-tray. Unusually, the doors dropped into the body sides to provide access. The car could be driven with all the panels removed, and it was suggested that owners might want to buy a second set in an alternative colour!

The running gear was more conventional - MacPherson strut independent front suspension being complemented by a wishbone set-up at the rear - while motive power was supplied by a 2.5-litre, 170bhp version of BMW's overhead-cam straight six driving the rear wheels via five-speed manual gearbox. Top speed was around 225km/h (140mph) with 100km/h (62mph) coming up in around 8 seconds. Production began slowly in 1988 at the rate of six cars per day, ending in 1991 after 8,000 units had been built. Demand was strong from the start despite a high price, and today this landmark model continues to be highly sought after by BMW collectors.

Finished in striking Magic Violett metallic with black interior, this amazing BMW Z1 shows only 16 kilometres on the odometer at the time of cataloguing, and as such surely represents a unique opportunity to purchase an example in as effectively 'as new' condition. According to the German Z1 Club web site, only 228 of the 8,000 Z1s produced were delivered in this colour.

The Z1 was delivered new in Germany but the first owner did not register the car, which was kept indoors in the entrance to his office. The Z1 was first registered in 1996, and only then to enable a future custodian to continue its registration. The Z1 has only undergone an in-house oil change while in the current owner's care. He also reports that the 'disappearing' doors have been repaired (they are a common weak point of these striking roadsters).
Offered with the aforementioned German Fahrzeugbrief with a single recorded owner, and all factory manuals in their original pouch, this stunning Z1, showing only delivery mileage, is one for the discerning collector.

Please be advised that due to the limited number of kilometres recorded on the odometer, this Lot may incur VAT liability upon registration in the EU. The VAT payable will be the rate prevailing in the country of registration.