6500 Mile One-Owner Z8. Well-Maintained Lifelong California Car
2000 BMW Z8 Roadster
VIN WBAEJ1344YAH60221
Titanium Silver Metallic with Black Leather Interior
In 1997, BMW released the Z07 styling study, which became the production Z8 with impressively minimal changes. Initially penned by Henrik Fisker (later to become head of design at Aston Martin and then develop his own global automobile company), the Z07 concept was inspired by the legendary 507 and it was never intended for production. Yet customer reaction was both brisk and encouraging, causing BMW to reconsider their position, eventually announcing the Z8 as a limited production offering to top clientele. Only one configuration, the roadster, would be constructed from 2000 to 2003. The production Z8 differed only slightly from the concept Z07, carefully retaining the exquisite themes and details of the Z07, while offering a refined production car. The Z8 featured a long hood and short deck, placing occupants nearly at the rear axle, in keeping with the traditions of great sports car design. The small doors, curvaceous fenders, and low-slung stance evoked a retro feel while simultaneously creating a fresh and unique look. All Z8s came with removable hard tops, unique keys, an embossed tool roll (a vintage touch), and a color-matched dashboard with centrally placed instruments.
Mechanically, the Z8 was both sophisticated and technologically bespoke. The frame was formed using modern aluminum stampings, employing many lightweight cast and formed aluminum components including forged independent suspension. The M5’s S62 4.9 liter quad-cam V8 engine, mounted well behind the front axle for optimal weight distribution, delivered a remarkably usable 400hp. Not simply a pretty face, the all new Z8 arrived as a legitimately high performance machine, yielding .92g of lateral acceleration, and posting a 4.2 second 0-60 time. Car and Driver’s tests proved acceleration, grip, and braking figures competitive with the contemporary Ferrari 360. Priced at $130,000, just 2,382 examples were sold in the United States. Today, Z8s have continued to appreciate in value due in part to their exceptional design, high performance, and limited production.
This particular example has travelled only 6,500 miles since it was sold new in California where it has been under continued care by the original owner since delivered. Beautifully appointed with air-conditioning, 6 speed manual, power telescoping steering wheel, power seat and one-touch power windows, BMW Multi-Information radio, auxiliary hardtop, and 18 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, this car has been exceptionally well-maintained since new. The original Northern California owner has serviced the car regularly, with no incidents or accidents reported on the recent Carfax, which confirms the services performed at the dealership as well as the original mileage shown on the car. Regular warranty services, smog checks, maintenance, oil and various fluid changes have been performed as recommended. In October 2018, the car was comprehensively serviced at Weatherford BMW, Berkeley, totaling $4,860.08 including a complete vehicle inspection, a replacement BMW rear view mirror (replaced due to glass de-lamination), two new gas struts for the trunk, brake fluid flush and service, and an oil change. In Nov 2018 a new battery was installed, oil and filters changed, coolant flushed, new upper timing case covers were replaced, and a new oil pan, oil pan gasket, and drain plug was installed. In 2006 the radio was replaced with a new, factory correct, MIR BMW radio, due to a faulty visual display.
Today the beautiful all-aluminum body features excellent Titanium Silver Metallic paint with excellent overall finish and glossy luster. The paint meters between 3 and 6 microns on all metal panels. The car shows only minor evidence of road use and a few minor scuffs on the lower surface of the front air dam, all of which are visible only under close examination. The factory wheels are in excellent condition showing no curb rash and Bridgestone Potenza tires with ample tread remaining. The glass, lenses, and emblems are all in as new condition, as are the beautifully finished chrome details throughout the exterior of the car. Every aspect of the car has been dutifully maintained and carefully preserved by the current owner who was determined to maintain the utmost originality as evidenced by dealership services and minimally accumulated miles.
The interior is an artful translation of the original 507 featuring handsome brushed aluminum and chrome finishes, nicely contrasting the supple black leather seats, sculpted doors, and assorted trim. The center console is accented by a clean array of switches and purposeful controls, while the fluid dashboard features gorgeous instruments with excellent color and dramatic nighttime illumination. The dashboard and interior systems function as expected and the digital instruments function properly when the key is engaged. The top of the dashboard at the base of the windscreen is stitched leather and shows some shrinkage. The leather wrapped steering wheel, itself inspired by the original 507 design, is also in excellent condition. The carpet and floor mats are in near new condition, showing only minor use to the driver’s side floor mat and very good doorsill thresholds. The seats display light wear and aging and the car is fitted with the optional cup holder. Overall, the interior presents essentially as new with excellent finishes, beautifully trimmed features, with a crisp look and elegant feel. The hardtop is in good condition, with some wrinkling to the headliner felt and some scratches that happened during storage. The original hard top cart is included with the car. The trunk compartment is well preserved, showing little evidence of use to the excellent trunk liner and carpeting, opening and shutting smoothly assisted by recently replaced factory trunk struts.
Under the hood, this immaculate Z8 continues to impress with originality and excellent detailing. The engine and all components retain their correct factory finishes, proper engine components, all factory stampings, correct labels and original factory markings. All formed engine, air cleaner, and air-management boxes, ducting, and aerodynamic panels remain in excellent condition. Underneath the car, detailed inspection reveals a properly maintained and minimally driven car, consistent with the indicated 6,500 miles. The exhaust system appropriately hued from use, castings, floor pan, new oil pan, and suspension components are clean and tidy, and all heat shielding remains factory formed and properly in place.
The car starts, drives and handles as one might expect from a dutifully maintained, one owner car. The combination of excellent ride and comfort is a hallmark of these exceptionally engineered cars, delivering confidence and power even when gently invited. When more eagerly summoned, the Z8 delivers continued touring composure blended with exhilarating driving moments of sheer joy. Braking is superlative, seating position perfect, and the exhaust note delivers the perfect tone of vintage charm to even an everyday drive. The car comes with a hardtop and top tool, hardtop stand and cover, tool kit, front license plate mount and black trim surround, books set, factory sales brochures, a correct factory key, valet key, wind deflector, and a folder of service receipts.
Surely to be coveted for decades to come, this exceptional one-owner California delivery BMW Z8 offers the next owner an exciting opportunity to own a nearly new icon of performance. The legendary, and now multi-million-dollar 507 is beautifully captured in this modern, bespoke vehicle of unprecedented performance and style. Built in limited numbers, and never to be built again, this stunning one owner Z8 delivers on the promise of exceptional open motoring with charming vintage flavor and delightful sporting elegance that only a modern classic BMW can offer.
The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.
Fantasy Junction • 510-653-7555 • 1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608