BMW Z1 ALPINA RLE – Roadster Limited Edition

Production no. RLE 0053 | ALPINA chassis WAPRL0001C260053 | BMW chassis WBABJ010X0J07563

The ultimate Z1 in existence, one of the rarest and most exclusive ALPINAs ever produced — and a genuine collector’s car by design. Created as a limited edition from the ground up, the ALPINA RLE (Roadster Limited Edition) represents the ultimate interpretation of the BMW Z1. With only 66 built worldwide and many remaining in private collections for decades, these cars very rarely come to market.

This example, production RLE 0053, is especially significant — and was even highlighted as one of the last new examples available worldwide when offered for export from Japan in 2007.

Model & Historical Significance

Based on the innovative BMW Z1, the ALPINA RLE was conceived to deliver far greater performance and exclusivity than its donor car. While the Z1 was praised for its technical ingenuity, its powertrain was widely seen as modest for the car’s sporting ambitions. ALPINA solved this definitively by installing the larger and more potent 2.7 L engine — delivering a true driver’s experience and distinct character.

From the day of its introduction, ALPINA’s founder, Burkard Bovensiepen, encouraged owners to keep the RLEs in collections, a recommendation reflected in how seldom these cars have changed hands since new.

Production & Rarity

Total BMW Z1 production: ~8,000 units

ALPINA RLE produced:
- 66 cars
- 33 sold in Japan
- 33 sold in Europe

This car is a genuine factory-built ALPINA RLE, complete with its ALPINA production number (RLE 0053) and full ALPINA VIN — a distinction that separates original RLE cars from the small number of Z1s later converted to RLE specification without ALPINA numbering.

Engine, Performance & Chassis

To sharpen performance, ALPINA replaced the Z1’s standard 2.5 L engine with its stroked 2.7 L C2/B3 unit, increasing output to 200 bhp and torque to 261 Nm. The result is a markedly sportier and more responsive machine.

Tested by contemporary publications:
- 0–100 km/h in 7.1 s
- Top speed: ~228 km/h+A noticeable improvement over the standard Z1’s performance figures.

Exterior & Interior Details

- Striking ALPINA-specific hand-stitched steering wheel with “Limited Edition” and production number
- Engraved Alpina plaque in solid silver
- Matching engraved solid silver keyring
- Distinctive 17″ Alpina wheels with 235/40 tyres
- Full Grey/Dark Grey leather interior
- Classic Black exterior finish

These bespoke touches reinforce the RLE’s identity as a true limited edition.

Factory Delivery & Documentation

Documented with its original ALPINA factory invoice, dated 26 June 1991, issued to:

Nicole Racing Japan Co. Ltd.Setagaya-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan

This OEM invoice confirms the car’s factory specification and delivery destination.

Ownership & Registration History

- Delivered new to Japan
- Maintained and registered there for much of its early life
- 2007 : Offered for export from Japan, listed at the time as one of the last new RLE examples available worldwide — reflecting its rarity even then.
- 2017 : Acquired by the current owner from Syntner UK

Currently UK registered, registration V1 RLE (first UK registration 27 February 2010)

Car can also be sold with European (Belgian registration) if needed

Mileage & Condition

- Current mileage: 197 km from new
- 100% original mileage
- Condition is as-new / like delivery

Please note, the car carries a replacement service booklet, original owner’s books were lost during the Japanese export process; all other documentation remains intact

Collectability & Market Position

The Z1 ALPINA RLE commands a special place among limited-run European sports cars:

- Extremely limited production (only 66 built)
- Factory-verified documentation including original invoice
- Unusually low mileage (197 Km)
- Outstanding preservation and originality

A landmark Alpina: rare, original, and stunningly preserved. 1 of only 66 ever produced and among the very few that have survived with such low mileage and full factory documentation. Additionally, over the years, very few examples have ever emerged for sale, privately or publicly.

A true highlight for any serious collector and one of the most desirable Alpina models ever created.

Car can be viewed at our premises near Brussels (Belgium), on appointment.