2001 BMW Z8

£ 200 000

About:

This is a true collector's item, the Henrik Fisker-designed BMW Z8 appears now to finally achieve the recognition it so clearly deserves. At its conception, it was intended as an evocation of the iconic 1950s BMW 507, brought into the 21st century with the penmanship of Henrik Fisker. The concept, codenamed 'Z07' was developed throughout the mid-late '90s and publicly launched at the 1997 Tokyo Motorshow. It caused quite a stir and yet didn't sell that many worldwide, just 5, 703 were built between 2000 to 2006 and in this 'launch' specification of Titanium Silver Metallic over Red and Black upholstery, only 399 were made in the United States.

Exterior:

The design of the car is stunning with retro-inspired details such as the chrome fog lights in the front grill, side gills and wing mirrors, all in great condition, they are cleverly mixed in with modern touches such as the xenon headlights and neon indicators. The Titanium Silver Metallic paintwork presents very well, with only a couple of tiny blemishes, but otherwise, it is believed to be its original factory paintwork.

Interior:

The interior was also retro-inspired and managed to combine practicality and classic design all in one. We particularly like the central rev counter and speedometer which particularly evokes the 507. The Red and Black leather interior presents as new without rips, tears or scratches, with the original car phone there also.

The BMW 4.9 litre engine is based on the engine in the BMW M62 E39 M5 and delivers great power and torque as expected from the M-division built unit. The engine is more subtle than the engine it is based on and has a more mellow baritone burble giving the car an easygoing/cruiser dynamic with the low-down torque making the car fun and easy to drive in any gear.

The V8 engine is placed behind the front wheels giving a 50/50 weight distribution and power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed gearbox and an open differential.

The gearbox is a classic BMW and taken directly from the E39 M5. It has a lovely engaging and easy-to-use shift with a slightly longer throw than the M5 adding to the easy laid-back character of the Z8.

The all-aluminium spaceframe chassis was brand new for the car and does well to keep the car stiff despite the lack of a roof and the car's weight down to around 1,500kg despite the heavy V8.

With McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link set up at the rear, the car rides bumpy road very well.

The steering is an assisted rack and pinion, the first time seen on a V8 BMW and weighted slightly heavy to suit the relaxed character of the car.

The brakes are from the 750i and stop the car very well as you would expect from a car of this era.

The 18'' alloy wheels are one of the few parts on the car that were original and are a classic piece of 2000s M car design.

Full BMW service history. Please contact us for full digital paperwork.