Fantasy Junction

Description

2001 BMW Z8 Roadster
VIN WBAEJ13401AH60304
Titanium Silver Metallic with Red and Black Nappa Leather

In 1997, BMW released the Z07 styling study penned by Henrik Fisker (later to become head of design at Aston Martin). The Z07 concept was heavily inspired by the legendary 507 and was never intended for production, but rather as a statement of brand heritage. However, the customer reaction was strong enough that BMW reconsidered their position and announced the production version of the Z8 as a limited volume car that the public car. Only one configuration, the roadster, would be constructed from 2000 to 2003. The production Z8 differed slightly from the concept Z07, carefully retaining the themes and details while offering a refined production car. The Z8 featured a long hood and short deck, placing occupants nearly at the rear axle. The small doors, curvaceous fenders, low-slung stance, and the detailing evoked a retro feel , yet the car was also thoroughly modern. 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 very sophisticated. The frame was formed using modern aluminum stampings, employing many lightweight cast and formed aluminum components including the independent suspension. The M5’sS62 4.9 liter quad-cam V8 engine delivered 400hp, mounted well behind the front axle for optimal weight distribution, and placed in a car weighing 500 pounds less than the M5. Nevertheless, the car has a host of modern conveniences and safety features, from heated seats to side airbags, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. 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 yielded acceleration, grip, and braking figures that bested those delivered by the contemporary Ferrari 360. In all, just 2,382 examples were sold in the United States. The Z8 never had a successor and this, coupled with the car’s intrinsic attributes, has ensured that the Z8 has become a classic already. Values have increased appreciably, and the combination of modern technology and performance coupled with quintessential classic car packaging, including manual transmission, has ensured that the Z8 is among the last traditional sports cars that was made.

This particularly stunning example has travelled 17,400 miles since being purchased new in Mountain View, California in 2001. Delivered with air-conditioning, 6 speed manual, 4 wheel disc brakes, power telescoping steering wheel, power seat and one-touch power windows, BMW Multi-Information radio, hardtop, and 18 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, this car has been exceptionally well-maintained since new. The original owner has serviced the car regularly, with no incidents or accidents reported on the recent Carfax. In July 2017, the car was comprehensively serviced at BMW, Mountain View including a complete vehicle inspection, a new BMW battery, two new gas struts for the trunk, brake fluid service, and an oil change. Four new Pirelli Cinturato tires were also mounted and balanced, and a four-wheel alignment performed.

Today, the beautiful all-aluminum body features original Titanium Silver Metallic paint with excellent overall finish and glossy luster. The factory wheels are in excellent condition showing no curb rash or marks aside from a small area on the right rear wheel. 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 previous owner who was determined to maintain the utmost originality.

The interior is an artful translation of the original 507 featuring handsome brushed aluminum and chrome finishes, nicely contrasting the supple red and black leather seats, sculpted doors (also color matched), 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 lighting, with all features and systems functioning as expected. The digital instruments all illuminate properly when the key is engaged, however the tens and tenths of the odometer reading are obscured by an internal LCD blurring, which was common on BMWs of this period. The steering wheel, itself inspired by the original 507 design, is in excellent condition showing very mild use. The carpet and floor mats are in excellent condition, showing only minor use to the driver’s side floor mat and very light marks on the door sill entry. Overall the interior presents very well, with some minor wear and aging commensurate with the car’s mileage. The hardtop is in excellent condition with smooth felt headliner, although there are a few very small nicks to the exterior paint. The black canvas convertible top is in excellent shape overall, with no appreciable wear or aging to the interior or exterior other than mild clouding to the rear window, which is common on Z8s. The trunk compartment has been beautifully preserved, showing little evidence of use to the excellent trunk liner and carpeting.

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 correct 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 car that is extremely tidy and has clearly been used only in California’s mild climate. Finishes are showing signs of use, but consistent with the miles, exhaust system appropriately hued from use, castings, floor pan and suspension components clean and tidy, and all heat shielding factory formed and in place.

The car starts, drives and handles as one might expect from a properly maintained, one owner car with low mileage. The combination of excellent ride and comfort is a hallmark of these exceptionally engineered cars, with particular delight revealed when slightly pushed, resulting in exhilarating response coupled with composure. There is an urgency to the car’s progress that feels like an old-fashioned sports car, but the raw competence, solidity, tightness, and high limits are distinctly modern. In sum, the car has the soul of an old car in the fantastically capable package of a contemporary car.

The car comes with a hardtop and top tool, complete tool kit and tool roll, first aid kit, Z8 license plate frame, a correct factory key (engraved with Z8 logo), embossed key fob pouch, and a spare key. BMW dealer service receipts accompany this handsome Z8, along with a complete set of original BMW owner’s manuals, service and warranty manuals, all in an embossed leather case. An extra set of red floor mats, still unused and wrapped in plastic, is also included with the car, as are the factory tonneau cover and wind deflector.

Surely to be coveted for decades to come, this exceptional BMW Z8 offers the next owner an exciting opportunity to own a lovely one-owner California example that has been properly looked after and is also complete. 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 Z8 delivers on the promise of exceptional open motoring with a charming vintage flavor and delightful sporting elegance.

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.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608