Highlights
Bringing the classic features of the 507 into a modern package, in today's market, the BMW Z8 is sitting very well indeed.
The very original, low-mileage BMW Z8 comes with an original hardtop, BMW Z8 coffee table book, 2 Keys, the pair of its original US LHD headlights and paperwork. The car is sold with a fresh BMW service and full BMW service history.
This is as close to a new BMW Z8 as it comes bar a delivery mileage example, at least this one has at least been run in! The car stops, steers and handles exactly as it did when it left the factory in 2001.
You certainly don't see many of these about and this 7,100-mile example with one previous owner is a fantastic example to be enjoyed!
General Description
The BMW Z8 was ahead of its time, a retro throwback before its time. It was designed by the talented Henrik Fisker, who later went on to pen the DB9 and the V8 Vantage of the early 2000s. Designed as a homage to the 507 from the late 1950s the car evokes the original design throughout from sleek and curvaceous lines to details such as the wider grills and chrome mirrors. The interior too is a throwback and was designed with this same retro and symmetrical design imitating the original car.
The concept, originally codenamed 'Z07' was publicly launched at the 1997 Tokyo Motorshow and caused quite a stir. The car was met with a mixed reception when released in 1998 as the confused media tried to grapple with the concept of a retro cruiser with an M5 V8 engine, looking like a sports car but not feeling like one. As a result, they didn't sell that many worldwide and just 5,703 cars where were built between 2000 to 2006.
The car was remembered as a bit of confusion but now achieves the recognition it deserves. Designed to be a modern take on classic motoring, a throwback to a more simple and gentil era. Somewhat ahead of its time it was the first of a new retro-inspired design era and was followed by the Ford GT and BMW Mini. The car represents a fantastic piece of 2000s motoring and is a truly unique BMW.
About this specific vehicle
Exterior:
The design of the car is stunning with retro-inspired details such as the chrome fog lights in the front grill, side gills and wing mirrors, all in great condition, they are cleverly mixed in with modern touches such as the xenon headlights and neon indicators. The Titanium Silver Metallic paintwork presents very well, with only a couple of tiny blemishes, but otherwise, it is believed to be its original factory paintwork.
Interior:
The interior was also retro-inspired and managed to combine practicality and classic design all in one. We particularly like the central rev counter and speedometer which particularly evokes the 507. The Red and Black leather interior presents as new without rips, tears or scratches, with the original car phone there also.
Engine:
The BMW 4.9 litre engine is based on the engine in the BMW M62 E39 M5 and delivers great power and torque as expected from the M-division built unit. The engine is more subtle than the engine it is based on and has a more mellow baritone burble giving the car an easygoing/cruiser dynamic with the low-down torque making the car fun and easy to drive in any gear.
Drivetrain:
The V8 engine is placed behind the front wheels giving a 50/50 weight distribution and power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed gearbox and an open differential.
Transmission:
The gearbox is a classic BMW and taken directly from the E39 M5. It has a lovely engaging and easy-to-use shift with a slightly longer throw than the M5 adding to the easy laid-back character of the Z8.
Chassis:
The all-aluminium spaceframe chassis was brand new for the car and does well to keep the car stiff despite the lack of a roof and the car's weight down to around 1,500kg despite the heavy V8.
Suspension:
With McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link set up at the rear, the car rides bumpy road very well.
Steering:
The steering is an assisted rack and pinion, the first time seen on a V8 BMW and weighted slightly heavy to suit the relaxed character of the car.
Brakes:
The brakes are from the 750i and stop the car very well as you would expect from a car of this era.
Wheels:
The 18'' alloy wheels are one of the few parts on the car that were original and are a classic piece of 2000s M car design.
History:
Full BMW service history. Please contact us for full digital paperwork.
