The BMW Z8 was a limited-edition production version of the sensational Z07 concept car designed by Chris Bangle, Henrik Fisker, and Scott Lempert. Utilizing an all-aluminum space frame and coachwork, the compound curves of this lightweight roadster evoked the design of BMW’s iconic 507 of the late 1950s.

Fitted with a 4.9-liter, V-8 engine developed by the BMW Motorsport division, the Z8’s acceleration, handling, and braking was stated to outperform the Ferrari 360 Modena in a period Car and Driver test article. The magazine likened the Z8 to “a hugely refined and sophisticated [427] Cobra.” Hand-assembled by BMW craftsmen in Munich, and widely agreed as one of the most beautiful BMWs in the company’s history, the Z8 was heralded as an instant classic, and well-preserved examples have become a modern collectible of the highest order. The Z8 offered here, with its desirable triple black color combination, extremely low mileage, and careful conservation since new, is certainly at the forefront of that category.

Sold new as a 2003 model year example, the Z8 offered here was built in November 2002 – the final month of production before the model evolved into the Alpina V8 Roadster. Imported January 12, 2003, into California, it was owned there from new, and was acquired by a second California-based enthusiast in June 2010, before joining the consignor’s collection in 2017. Once in his dutiful care, as detailed by accompanying records, the Z8 received a major service as recommended by BMW, which included all fluid changes, including the engine, gearbox, brakes, differential, and power steering, as well as servicing the air-conditioning system, filter replacement, and navigation update by his local authorized BMW dealer. In fact, virtually all of the miles put on the car under his ownership were to and from the local BMW dealer in order to keep this “Best in the World” Z8 in perfect operating condition. Showing less than 200 total miles when catalogued, the BMW is offered with its manual set, matching removable hardtop and stand, tonneau, front license plate bracket, tool roll, battery tender, mobility kit, touch-up paint, and an individually numbered copy of the commemorative Z8 coffee table book – an impressive volume tracing the history of the Z8 through the model’s production run.

This Z8 has been kept in ideal environments for much of its life and benefits from respectful ownership, accounting for its pristine overall appearance. Given its condition, it would be difficult to replace this Z8 with an example more deserving of a place in the most thoughtfully curated collections. As one of the most important and desirable models from the last half-century of Bavarian Motor Works production, this outstanding, triple black Z8 Roadster awaits its next steward. This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of BMW’s proudest and most nostalgic achievements in its purest state.