1989 BMW Z1

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

With only 8000 being built, and most of those being sold new in Germany, any BMW Z1 is a rare car in the UK, but this car has a particularly fascinating history.

It was originally delivered to Japanese tuning specialist Tommykaira. The Kyoto-based company was the official Hartge agent for Japan, and it’s thought that it carried out at least a partial Hartge upgrade on this Z1.

These modifications were available as a complete package or as individual elements, and included the option of an engine upgrade that lengthened the stroke, increasing capacity to 2693cc. Along with a higher compression ratio and changes to the Bosch Motronic management system, that helped to boost power from 170bhp to 205bhp. 

Owners could also specify larger wheels and tyres, bigger front brake discs, a different final-drive ratio and sports suspension as part of the Hartge upgrades. 

This Z1 was sold in 1997 by a Kyoto-based specialist to Yosuke Yamamoto, and he brought it with him when he moved to the UK the following year. Shortly afterwards, Yamamoto went right through the car, retrimming the interior in grey leather and red nubuck, overhauling the running gear, replacing the soft-top, and repainting the front bumper. 

He sold the Z1 when he returned to Japan in 2009, by which time the car still had less than 50,000km on the clock. It stayed in the UK and in 2013 was sold to a BMW enthusiast who stored it for three years, before deciding to have it recommissioned by Z1 specialist Ivor Dadswell.

What started out as some light work turned into a 12-month process, during which Dadswell went right through the car. Most body panels were removed, along with the seats and most of the trim, and the red nubuck was renewed. All wheelarch liners were replaced, the mechanism for the famous door actuation was overhauled, and the owner managed to source an original set of Hartge alloys, which were refurbished and fitted to the car. 

The Z1 was subsequently dyno’d at 176bhp, which certainly suggests that it received at least some Hartge engine upgrades, given that the standard power output when new was only 170bhp. 

This stylish, distinctive roadster has been used sparingly over the past few years, and fastidiously maintained along the way. It was given a full service in July 2024, which included four-wheel alignment, and is now being offered for sale as a rare example of one of BMW’s most memorable modern classics.

MODEL HISTORY  

Launched at a time when BMW was best known for its sports saloons, the limited-edition Z1 was a radical departure for the German marque. 

The production version was first shown at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show. Styled by Harm Lagaay, it featured a steel monocoque with plastic panels that were easily removed, enabling an owner – if they so desired – to change the colour of their Z1 simply by replacing the panels. 

The 2494cc straight-six engine was taken from the E30 325i and produced 170bhp, enough to give a top speed of 140mph. A five-speed gearbox was fitted, and while the front suspension was also taken from the 325i, at the rear there was a new Z-axle that would end up also being used on the next-generation E36 3-series.

The Z1’s most memorable feature was the fact that its doors didn’t swing open in the normal way. Instead, they electronically retracted into the sills, dropping out of the way so that people could get in and out. 

That was far from being the only clever touch, though. A flat undertray and a rear bumper that acted as a diffuser helped with the aerodynamics, while the windscreen surround doubled as roll-over protection.

Production lasted from March 1989 to June 1991, with all cars being built in Munich and all being left-hand drive, and demand was such that they were soon being advertised in the UK at well above the standard list price. More than 30 years later, the Z1 still attracts a cult following and remains one of the most recognisable cars of its era.