2001 BMW Z8

Chassis No. WBAEJ13411AH61199

Inspired by the timeless Albrecht von Goertz-designed 507 of 1956, BMW's Z8 model of some four decades later represents both a worthy successor to its illustrious forebear and arguably a pinnacle of retro-inspired car design. Featuring a bespoke aluminum chassis clad in a svelte two-seat roadster body of similar material, the Z8 was powered by the same “S62” 4.9-liter V8 engine as the contemporary E39 M5; a unit appropriately sharing the same basic architecture as its 1950s counterpart, albeit with almost two liters of engine capacity.

The M5 powerplant afforded generous power and torque figures of 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque respectively which, when allied to the Z8's comparatively modest weight of 3,494 pounds, enabled it to accelerate from rest to 60 mph in just over four seconds, en route to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. Near-perfect weight distribution and an ultra-stiff stressed skin chassis ensured that the car's dynamic capabilities matched expectations; Car and Driver magazine noted that the car enjoyed superior acceleration, braking and handling to the hitherto class-leading Ferrari 360 Modena.

Styling of the car was entrusted to highly-rated Danish designer Henrik Fisker, who had previously been involved with the design of the original E30 M3 and the Z8's immediate predecessor, the Z07 concept car. Historic references and deft design touches abounded on his new charge; the car's heavily sculpted body color dashboard and BMW-badged front fender vents being but two areas noticeably redolent of the 507.

Produced on 20 July 2001 as a US-market example, this beautifully presented Z8 was finished in Titanium Silver Metallic over a Sport Red Nappa leather interior. A classic color combination for a German roadster, the BMW Z8 Registry notes that this particular livery was the second most popular on offer from BMW at the time of production. According to the CARFAX Vehicle History Report, this Z8 was first sold in New Jersey to its first owner with just 10 miles on the odometer on 6 September 2001. In late 2006 it was sold to the second owner based in Florida with approximately 12,000 miles before being brought back to New Jersey, serviced, and sold on 30 October 2010 via Prestige BMW of Ramsey, New Jersey. According to the CARFAX the new buyer exported the car from the US with 18,961 miles (approximately 30,514 kilometers), bringing it back to Germany. With continuous German ownership since 2010, this well-kept example has been lightly used on the Continent and currently features 20,232 miles (approximately 32,560 kilometers). As a testament to its high degree of overall originality the car is further enhanced by the inclusion of its matching detachable hardtop, offering all-weather motoring enjoyment. Furthermore the sale of this Z8 includes a number of original delivery items that are often missing including its hardtop stand and soft cover, Motorola Z8 mobile phone, two original keys including Z8 leather pouch, toolkit, and its Z8 leather document folder with manuals. Recently serviced with an oil change and an overhaul of its VANOS system, this Z8 is a particularly attractive example of BMW's flagship model of the 2000s.