BMW Z8: A Bond-Approved Classic at Carhuna Auction
The BMW Z8 is a timeless blend of modern engineering and classic design. Carhuna has an exceptional example heading to auction.
This icon, lauded for its elegant lines reminiscent of the legendary BMW 507 and powered by the formidable 4.9 litre S62 V8 engine from the E39 M5, is a quintessential collector's dream. Not only did it capture hearts with its design, but it also gained fame as James Bond's ride in 'The World is Not Enough'. Approximately 5,700 units were crafted, with about half finding homes in North America.
The Z8 was more than just a nod to nostalgia; it packed serious performance chops with its E39 M5 V8. Notably, it wasn't branded as a full-fledged M car, yet it featured the heart of one, blurring the lines between BMW's sports car and grand tourer segments.
With an advanced aluminium structure and a pioneering space frame chassis, the Z8 offered M-like agility, sprinting from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds. It was built not as a pure sports car but as a grand tourer with a sporty essence, making it a unique proposition in BMW's lineup. Today, this Henrik Fisker masterpiece remains a pivotal part of any serious BMW collection, revered for its design and performance.
This particular Z8, having first hit the tarmac in Long Beach, CA in June 2002, and is one of the finest examples available today. Cherished by its first owner for eight years and driven a mere 2,000 miles, this car boasts a meticulous service record. It changed hands in 2010, accruing only 1,000 additional miles before crossing the Atlantic in 2017.
Since arriving in the UK, the current custodian has spared no expense in maintaining its prestige, entrusting Soper BMW with a £20,000 refresh to meet EU specifications. This overhaul included re-trimming the interior and replacing over 50 parts with official BMW components. Now showing just over 3,700 miles, the car has remained in professional storage, preserved in pristine condition.
Included in the sale are coveted collector's items such as a Z8 coffee-table book, an exact scale model, original interior mats, and a number-plate cover. Each service and MOT, including a recent advisory-free check in 2024, confirms the car's unmatched condition.
This BMW Z8, a testament to the zenith of automotive craftsmanship, will be available at Carhuna's auction, going live on May 1st and concluding on May 8th. This auction presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive and cinematic history, a true bargain Bond car for the discerning collector.
