Louis Frankel
Specialist
LOT 9
2000 BMW Z8 Roadster Chassis no. WBAEJ1103030AF78238
Sold for US$230,000 inc. premium
Lot 9
2000 BMW Z8 Roadster
2000 BMW Z8 Roadster
Chassis no. WBAEJ1103030AF78238
Chassis no. WBAEJ1103030AF78238
• Rare and exclusive limited edition model
• Delivered new to Japan
• Under 13,900 kilometres from new
• All books and spare key
In recent times many motor manufacturers, particularly those with a significant sporting heritage, have felt the need to reference iconic models from the past when launching their latest. BMW has proved adept at exploiting this 'retro' trend, commencing in 1996 with the Z3 coupé and convertible, the styling of which brilliantly recalled its fabulous '328' sports car of pre-war days. Its next effort along similar lines - the 'Z07' concept car of 1997 - took its inspiration from the post-war Alfred Goetz-designed '507', a luxurious limited-edition roadster.
The sensation of the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show, the Z07 was received so enthusiastically that BMW took the decision to press ahead with a production version: the Z8. For the most part the Z8 remained remarkably faithful to the original concept, retaining the 507-like twin-nostril front grille and distinctive front-wing vents. A period-style interior had been one of the Z07's most remarked upon features, and that too made it into the Z8.
The Z8's body panelling and spaceframe chassis were fabricated in lightweight and corrosion resistant aluminium, while the 32-valve 4,941cc V8 engine, shared with the M5 saloon, was built by BMW's Motorsport division. With 400bhp on tap, the Z8 raced to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.7 seconds and only the built-in rev limiter stopped it from exceeding 250km/h (155mph). Power reached the run-flat tyres via a Getrag six-speed manual gearbox. Needless to say, the Z8 also came with all the modern appurtenances one would expect of a flagship model: traction control, stability control, front and side air bags, GPS navigation, climate control and power operation of the seats, steering wheel and convertible hood all being included in the package.
The fact that the Z8 was a low-volume model assembled, for the most part, by hand, enabled BMW to offer customers considerable freedom in personalising their cars. Further enhancing its appeal to collectors, the factory announced that a 50-year stockpile of Z8 parts would be maintained. Despite a (US) launch price of over $128,000, initial demand was so high that a bidding war broke out, with many Z8s selling for well in excess of that figure. By the time production ceased in 2003, 5,703 of these fabulous cars had been built.
Delivered new by Nakamitsu Auto in Japan, the Z8 offered here was completed on 31st October 2000 but it should be noted that the car is titled as 2003. (It is believed that the car stayed in the dealership for three years before being registered.) Finished in Titan Silver with full black nappa leather interior, the Z8 was purchased in Japan by the current vendor and has covered fewer than 13,900 kilometres from new. Presented in commensurately good condition, the car is offered with an owner's manual; radio operating instructions; BMW network book, safety book and service book; a BMW Z8 promotional book; various invoices for parts; a Dubai ownership certificate; and a spare key.
• Delivered new to Japan
• Under 13,900 kilometres from new
• All books and spare key
In recent times many motor manufacturers, particularly those with a significant sporting heritage, have felt the need to reference iconic models from the past when launching their latest. BMW has proved adept at exploiting this 'retro' trend, commencing in 1996 with the Z3 coupé and convertible, the styling of which brilliantly recalled its fabulous '328' sports car of pre-war days. Its next effort along similar lines - the 'Z07' concept car of 1997 - took its inspiration from the post-war Alfred Goetz-designed '507', a luxurious limited-edition roadster.
The sensation of the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show, the Z07 was received so enthusiastically that BMW took the decision to press ahead with a production version: the Z8. For the most part the Z8 remained remarkably faithful to the original concept, retaining the 507-like twin-nostril front grille and distinctive front-wing vents. A period-style interior had been one of the Z07's most remarked upon features, and that too made it into the Z8.
The Z8's body panelling and spaceframe chassis were fabricated in lightweight and corrosion resistant aluminium, while the 32-valve 4,941cc V8 engine, shared with the M5 saloon, was built by BMW's Motorsport division. With 400bhp on tap, the Z8 raced to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.7 seconds and only the built-in rev limiter stopped it from exceeding 250km/h (155mph). Power reached the run-flat tyres via a Getrag six-speed manual gearbox. Needless to say, the Z8 also came with all the modern appurtenances one would expect of a flagship model: traction control, stability control, front and side air bags, GPS navigation, climate control and power operation of the seats, steering wheel and convertible hood all being included in the package.
The fact that the Z8 was a low-volume model assembled, for the most part, by hand, enabled BMW to offer customers considerable freedom in personalising their cars. Further enhancing its appeal to collectors, the factory announced that a 50-year stockpile of Z8 parts would be maintained. Despite a (US) launch price of over $128,000, initial demand was so high that a bidding war broke out, with many Z8s selling for well in excess of that figure. By the time production ceased in 2003, 5,703 of these fabulous cars had been built.
Delivered new by Nakamitsu Auto in Japan, the Z8 offered here was completed on 31st October 2000 but it should be noted that the car is titled as 2003. (It is believed that the car stayed in the dealership for three years before being registered.) Finished in Titan Silver with full black nappa leather interior, the Z8 was purchased in Japan by the current vendor and has covered fewer than 13,900 kilometres from new. Presented in commensurately good condition, the car is offered with an owner's manual; radio operating instructions; BMW network book, safety book and service book; a BMW Z8 promotional book; various invoices for parts; a Dubai ownership certificate; and a spare key.
Saleroom notices
Please note that this lot shall not be subject to VAT on the Hammer as listed in the printed and online catalogue.
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