Fantasy Junction

Description

2003 BMW Z8 Alpina Roadster #262
VIN: WBAEJ13473AH62196
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. Initially available with the M5’sS62 4.9 liter quad-cam V8 with a 6-speed manual transmission, a special version of the car was produced in conjunction with storied BMW tuner Alpina 2003, the final model year of the Z8. Just 555 examples were produced, all of which were equipped with an automatic transmission and a tuned 4.8 liter version of the contemporary BMW 4.4 liter V8 from the 5, 6, and 7 series. The 4.8 liter engine was also used in the X5 4.8is. The Alpina version of the Z8 was further distinguished by a variety of other special features, including 20-inch wheels, improved suspension, supple Nappa leather interior with unique Alpina stitching, special blue Alpina gauges, and Alpina steering wheel with gear selector buttons. All Alpinas were delivered with special features including a Motorola mobile telephone, radio navigation, alarm system, 6 disc CD changer, an engraved production plaque, adjustable sport seats with seat heaters and adjustable headrests. Delivered with both indoor and outdoor car covers, and a magnificent coffee table book, the Alpina felt special from the outset and have always been desirable thanks to their exceptional design, high performance, and limited production.

This particular two-owner Alpina is number 262 of 555, and delivered new via BMW of Palm Springs, California in July 2003. The first owner retained the car until 2012, logging just 6,500 miles. It was acquired by Enthusiast Auto Group in Cincinnati, Ohio, who sold the car to its current Northern California owner who had it shipped back to California. Aware that all Z8 bodies were subject to stress torque due in part to the lightweight aluminum construction, the new owner commissioned Peter Pan BMW in Burlingame, CA to install BMW recommended brackets, collars, and stiffeners.. This package was optimistically named the Z8 performance package and is recommended for any Z8. At this time, the car was inspected, finding no evidence of structural damage or stress deformation. This invoice totaled over $3,000. The original owner and current owners have serviced the car regularly, with no incidents or accidents reported on the Carfax. Today the car shows just 10,250 miles with service performed in July 2015 (9,488 miles) when the car was comprehensively inspected and serviced at Peter Pan BMW tending to all fluids as required. Service invoices dating back to when the car was in Palm Springs are included.

Today this car is in beautiful shape, with excellent overall finish and glossy luster. The owner had some minor paintwork done on the car when he mistakenly scratched the surface while putting the hard top in place, but the car has no known accident history. The factory 20 inch Alpina wheels are in excellent condition showing no curb rash or marks, and wear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. 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 owners.

The red and black interior (one of the more rare combinations found in Silver Alpinas) is an artful translation of the original 507, featuring handsome brushed aluminum and chrome finishes, nicely contrasting the Alpina extra-soft red and black leather seats with contrasting piping, contoured doors, and assorted trim. The center console is accented by a clean array of switches and controls, while the fluid dashboard features gorgeous Alpina blue instruments with excellent color and lighting. All features and systems function as expected, including the digital instrumentation. The steering wheel features the unique Alpina shift buttons, wrapped in leather trim. The red carpet and black floor mats are in excellent condition, showing minor use only to the floor mats, which were purchased for use (red original pair preserved and included with the car). Overall the interior presents essentially as new with excellent finishes and beautifully trimmed features. The hardtop is in excellent condition with smooth brand new felted headliner, which the owner elected to replace as many owners have reported headliner falling loose due to aging glue. The black canvas convertible top retains excellent finish on both the exterior and interior headliner. The rear plastic window shows light clouding which is typical of these cars. The trunk compartment has been beautifully preserved, showing little evidence of use to the excellent trunk liner and carpeting.

Under the hood, this Z8 Alpina exhibits continued 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 has been properly maintained and used exclusively in mild climates. Finishes are showing some minor signs of use, but consistent with the low miles, exhaust system appropriately hued, castings, with floor pan and suspension components clean and tidy.

The car starts, drives and handles as one might expect from a properly maintained, enthusiastically-kept low mileage car. The combination of excellent ride and comfort is a hallmark of these exceptionally engineered cars, with particular delight when at highway speeds the ride and comfort are refreshingly good for a sports car. The car is unusually complete, including hardtop, complete tool kit and tool roll, battery tender and first aid kit (each with separate original pouches), correct Alpina factory keys, Alpina key pouch, factory touch-up paint, BMW flashlight, ///M mobility kit, wind deflector and top boot (both with canvas bags), and BMW service receipts. The car further includes the original Motorola BMW phone, charger, and mounting tray, factory sealed phone manual, an original BMW Alpina brochure, owners coffee table book (known simply as “The Book”, which supplied by BMW, but not serial numbered to this car), both indoor and outdoor factory car covers, hardtop cover and stand, front license plate mount, and a complete Alpina owner’s manual embossed leather case and books.

Surely to be coveted for decades to come, this exceptional BMW Z8 Alpina offers originality, luxury, performance, and rarity. The legendary, and now multi-million-dollar 507 is beautifully captured in this modern, bespoke vehicle of performance and style. One of only 450 imported to the US, and never to be built again, this Z8 Alpina delivers on the promise of exceptional open motoring with a charming vintage flavor and delightful sporting elegance that only a modern classic 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.

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