BMW Z8

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About this Collectable

The BMW Z8 was destined to become a classic. A masterful design by Henrik Fisker, combined with the V8 from the E39 M5, makes the Z8 a unique and desirable roadster. This example is the property of the second owner and is fully documented.

The BMW Z8 had a spectacular debut: the world first saw the car in the James Bond film The World is not Enough. The moviegoers got to see the car before its official unveiling. Most customers ordered their car in the same colour as the Bond car: Titansilber Metallic.

The Z8 is the spiritual successor to the iconic 507, which has been selling for astronomical prices. Henrik Fisker - who would later also design the DB9 - was able to masterfully translate the classic lines of the 507 into the present. That 'present' is now more than 20 years behind us, but you wouldn't know it from looking at it. Henrik Fisker succeeded in creating a timeless design.

Just like the 507, there are eight cylinders under the elegant, long bonnet. To be precise, it is the acclaimed V8 from the E39 M5, the first V8 from BMW M Gmbh. With 400 bhp and 500 Nm of torque, the Z8 is not short on power.

Of course, a classic roadster needs a manual gearbox. That's why all Z8s (except the Alpina ones) are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. Add to that the dynamic chassis and the Z8 isn't just a joy to look at, it's also a joy to drive. Should you prefer to drive with a hardtop (in winter for example): it is also available as a factory option. With it, the Z8 can be transformed into a beautiful coupé.

This particular example comes from the US, where 2,543 of the 5,703 were delivered. The car has only had one owner in the US. The current owner is the second owner and has bought the car himself in Miami and imported it into the Netherlands in 2017.

The owner had the Z8 returned to EU specifications and also optically the car is virtually in new condition. The complete history is present, as well as all original accessories such as the bespoke cover and hardtop with stand. This Z8 is also equipped with the original BMW Z8 Performance Package. In short: a very clean and complete Z8.

Our opinion

The BMW Z8 is undergoing a rehabilitation. At the time, people were blinded by the bling bling and the slightly retro kitsch. But nowadays it is simply one of the most attractive cars BMW has produced, with BMW build quality and usability. Z8s with mileage over two tons are no exception and we understand why. At the time, this was the best BMW could build, in a period when the brand already produced wonderful cars.

After the successful black Z8 last year, we are now offering a silver one. With a little more mileage, so it can actually be used for scenic drives, without worrying about depreciation or increasing mileage. Fully documented and in excellent condition, of course. 

The retro looks might distract your attention, but the Z8 is not just about beauty. The technology is also impressive. The V8 from the M5, but then in a (thanks to the extensive use of aluminium) lighter and more responsive body. This makes the Z8 not only stunning to look at, but also sensational to drive.

Equipment

This car is equipped from factory with:

• Air conditioning
• Cruise control
• Navigation
• Leather upholstery
• Electrically adjustable seats
• Seat heating
• Radio with CD changer
• Car phone
• Hardtop

Modifications

The owner bought this Z8 in the US and had it converted to EU specifications after import. The Z8 therefore received a new rear bumper and tail lights. The original US parts are included in the sale. 

The speedometer has also been converted from miles to kilometres. The odometer reading is also properly converted and documented, the stated kilometres are correct.

The car is also equipped with the BMW Z8 Performance Package, consisting of a suspension strut bridge and strut bearings. These are original BMW accessories to increase rigidity.

Remarks

The door sills were replaced in 2021 by BMW dealer Bert Story Waardenburg because they had suffered slight transport damage. The originals are included in the sale, pictures are available.

In October 2020, the car received an extensive detailing treatment worth €18,936 at Stipt Polish Point, where the car was brought back to its original condition after 19 years. At the same time, the front bumper was partly re-sprayed because of stone chips and light scratches.

Service history

All maintenance in the Netherlands has been carried out at the BMW dealership. The main points from the recent service history are:

• 21 July 2022 - 52,373 km - Story BMW Waardenburg: wheels balanced, chrome mirror caps replaced
• 5 August 2021 - 51.725 km - Story BMW Waardenburg: bonnet gas springs, underbody cladding and door sills replaced (because of slight transport damage)
• 10 September 2020 - 51.371 km - Story BMW Waardenburg: maintenance seats (a.o. seat cap replaced, guide rails lubricated)
• 22 June 2020 - 50.517 km - Story BMW Waardenburg: service (oil + brake fluid changed, oil filter replaced, among other things)
• 4 September 2017 - 48.402 km - Story BMW Waardenburg: radiator and cooling hoses and connections replaced
• 12 July 2017 - 47.935 km - Story BMW Waardenburg: major service + new tyres, new headliner, new battery

See the photos for invoices (including US service history).

The Z8 has driven only 1.900 km since the last (oil)service in 2020, but the owner will have the Z8 serviced before delivery at the BMW dealership. 

Included with sale

• Three keys + two emergency keys (all original)
• Complete (serivce) history with invoices and service booklet
• Hardtop (including original stand and cover)
• Original car cover
• Motorola phone (original accessory)
• Faringwell tracing device with certificate
• Trickle charger
• Original US rear bumper
• Original US rear lights
• Original door sills
• Original mirror covers

About the seller

The owner grew up in a family where the second car was always a convertible. In the sixties and seventies, these were the Fiat Dino, a Glas 1300 GT and a Triumph Herald. So he learned to love convertibles at an early age. It was not long before he bought his first one himself. When he was about 20 years old, he bought a 1965 Triumph Spitfire MkII. In the 1990s, he first had a Golf Cabrio and then a Mazda MX-5, both bought new. 

In 2016, the owner regained the desire to go out in an open car at the weekends. He therefore wanted to buy a Porsche 911 Targa from the seventies. At the time, he regularly visited Miami where he met the owner of Classic Motors. At that dealership he also saw this BMW Z8 standing next to the 1972 Porsche 911T he actually came for. After test driving both cars, he could only come to one conclusion. He decided to change his plan and go for the Z8. He says he gets compliments everywhere he goes with this car and has enjoyed it immensely. However, the owner now wants to spend more time travelling abroad, so that is why he is selling the BMW Z8. 

Summary

Seller - On request
Seller type - Private owner
Location - The Netherlands
VIN - WBAEJ13491AH60866
Year/date of production - 18 April 2001
First registration - 13 August 2001
Mileage - 52.800 km
Verifiable - Yes, based on the documentation
Warranty - No
Body type - Convertible
Engine - 4,9 liter V8 with 400 hp
Lay-out - Rear-wheel drive
Transmission - Six-speed manual
Exterior colour - Titanium Silver Metallic (354)
Interior colour - Black
Upholstery - Nappa leather
Smoker's car - No
Owners - 2, including current
In possession since - 13 July 2017
Tires - Bridgestone Potenza (2017)

The description of this Collectable has been created with the utmost care, based on information from and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre) selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders themselves must ascertain the correctness of the description and can, if desired, have a personal investigation carried out. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, investigation or valuation by buyers in advance, of course in consultation with the seller. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more details.