2001 BMW Z8

Highlights

• Very well preserved example, with low mileage
• In superb condition inside and out
• Extensive service record
• Supersprint exhaust
• Hard top

Overview

Back in the black-and-white world of the 1950s, BMW needed something to spruce up their range — and specifically to combat Mercedes’ futuristic 300SL. The 507 they came up with was a true work of automotive art, but sadly very few people got to see it: only a couple of hundred were produced before production was stopped in 1959. Elvis bought one when he was on military service in Germany, and supposedly had to have it repainted from white to red because passing fans kept leaving lipstick stains on the bodywork.

Fast forward to the late 90s, and BMW decided to use the 507 as inspiration when they designed the Z8 roadster. It features styling cues heavily influenced by the 50s car, and is also fitted with a V8 engine. Perhaps its most famous moment came in the 1999 film The World Is Not Enough when James Bond unsurprisingly cheats death as his Z8 is chopped in half by a helicopter-mounted circular saw.

The car offered here is a superb example of the model, which benefits from very low mileage. This means that everything from the paint to the interior remains in a state of barely-used preservation. Even the underside of the car is extremely clean, and the engine bay looks like it has barely been driven. The Alpina wheels are a real treat (though the originals are also available, with tyres, if you prefer) and the exhaust gives the Z8 a fantastic voice (and, again, the original is also available). A hard top also accompanies the car, allowing it to be enjoyed all year round.

With nearly five litres of V8 engine sitting up front, there’s plenty of power to play with. This car isn’t just extremely good looking; it also has the performance you’d expect from a Bond car. So whether you’re outrunning bad guys or heading off to the south of France, the Z8 tackles any eventuality with suave precision.

History and documentation

• Registered 12 Mar 2001
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Jun 2003 @ 5,390 miles, Mar 2005 @ 8,067 miles, Oct 2014 @ 14,501 miles, May 2017 @ 15,007 miles, May 2018 @ 15,598 miles, Nov 2019 @ 15,879 miles, Oct 2023 @ 16,213 miles
• Original Z8-embossed leather document wallet
• Full original document pack
• Two keys and spare plastic “valet” key, with original leather fob
• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Prior to 2022 the car was registered in Northern Ireland
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 7 Feb 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• Very relevant BMZ8507 private plate included in sale which, when creatively spaced as BM Z8 507, perfectly describes the car and its inspiration

Interior

• Much of the retro-styled interior of this Z8 is swathed in sumptuous red leather
• The upholstery is in excellent condition for its age
• Contrasting black leather panels on the seats
• The red carpets and overmats are very clean
• Body-coloured dashboard with central instrument cluster
• Leather-trimmed wire-spoke steering wheel
• Plenty of storage cubbies
• Original FM radio and CD changer with original text-based sat nav
• The vendor even has the original plug-in Motorola carphone supplied with the car, although it sadly no longer works
• Heated seats
• Air conditioning
• With the roof raised, the cabin is well sealed, and the headlining shows few signs of wear
• To the rear the spacious boot is trimmed with bright red carpet, which remains very clean

Exterior

• The exterior of this Z8 is presented in superb condition throughout
• Body panels look straight, with good shut lines
• The paint is excellent
• There are very few blemishes to be found
• The car proudly displays its low mileage
• Signature two-pieced horizontal front grille
• Headlight fairings look clear and bright
• Distinctive side vents in the front wings hark back to the original 507 of the 50s
• Chrome wing mirrors and door handles
• Understated use of badges and branding
• Twin rear exhausts
• The roof looks clean and tidy, with only a few light creases from storage
• A set of 19-inch Alpina wheels has been fitted, and are in excellent condition
• They are shod with Continental tyres, which are said to be brand new
• The vendor has retained the original 18-inch wheels, fitted with tyres which have good tread and these are available by separate negotiation
• An original hardtop is included with the car, examples of which change hands for $8,000 or more

Mechanical

• 4,941 cc V8 engine
• Originally produced 394 bhp and 369 lb ft
• 0-62 mph in just 4.7 seconds
• Under the bonnet, the engine bay is extremely clean and tidy
• ‘BMW M Power’ proudly written on the engine
• Six-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive
• The plastics and hoses look very clean
• A Supersprint uprated exhaust system has been fitted in 2024 at a reported cost of £11,000
• Supersprint state that this system can add 40 horsepower and 35 Nm of torque
• Original exhaust available by separate negotiation
• The underside of the car shows its low mileage, with hardly any surface corrosion to be seen
• The vendor informs us that this Z8 drives without issue

Summary

Brought in to the UK in tiny numbers and outstandingly beautiful, the Z8 makes a case for itself on rarity and aesthetics alone. But with the engine from the E39 and M5, Alpina wheels and a vocal exhaust, it goes up several levels in desirability.

When new, they were arguably under-appreciated; with a retail price just shy of £90k they were expensive for a BMW at the time but collectors have since come to see the appeal and today we see similar cars advertised for north of £200k.

The low mileage of this Z8 is obvious throughout, and it remains in very good condition for its age. Whether it’s the metallic paintwork or the leather upholstery, it’s hard to find fault with this rare and increasingly desirable V8 roadster.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire.