BMW Z1 looks like no other production model from the brand – before or since its introduction in 1987. Now there is a chance to own a pristine example with just 104 kilometers on the odometer. The car even comes with a rare aftermarket hardtop. Auction house Artcurial expects the machine to fetch between $108,442 and $162,663 at its event in France on February 2.
BMW debuted the Z1 at the Frankfurt Motor Show and production began in the fall of 1988. It was the brand’s first two-seater sports car since the 507 in the 1950s. The development team got creative when given the opportunity to create a new roadster. The sharp body lines looked like no other BMW available at the time. The vehicle also had plastic exterior panels and trick doors that retracted down into the body. Under the skin was a zinc-dipped steel monocoque.
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The high sills and folding doors allowed occupants to lower the panels while driving, allowing them to enjoy an even more open driving experience. There aren’t many roadsters that offer the same exposure to the world. The closest we can think of are the Caterham Seven or Ariel Atom.
The BMW Z1 borrowed the 2.5-liter inline-six from the contemporary E30 generation 325i, good for 168 hp. The five-speed manual transmission also came from the 3 Series. BMW developed a multi-link rear suspension that the company called the “Z-axis”. This setup was so adaptable that the automaker used a similar layout for the E36 3 Series and Rover 75.
The hardtop that comes with this Z1 is particularly rare. According to the fansite bmwz1.co.uk, Wiesmann Auto Sport only made about 500. They were available with a heated rear window and leather or suede interior trim.
BMW made 8,000 Z1s by the time production ended in June 1991. The brand’s next roadster was the more conventional Z3 for the 1995 model year.
Even the latest BMW Z1s are old enough that Americans can bring them into the United States under the 25-year rule, which allows people to import classic vehicles into the country. An example in good condition is worth $61,400 in the US, according to Hagerty Insurance. This will certainly sell for much more thanks to its low mileage and included hardtop.