2001 BMW Z8 Roadster, Design by Henrik Fisker

2001 BMW Z8 Roadster
VIN. WBAEJ13401AH60917
Design by Henrik Fisker
4,941cc 32-Valve DOHC V8 Engine
Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection
400bhp at 6,600rpm
6-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Exquisite, low-mileage example of the Z8 Roadster
*One of just 135 examples finished in the desirable Topaz Blue Metallic over Black interior
*Extremely well-kept, factory original condition inside and out
*Complete with factory hard top and accessories

THE BMW Z8

In 1956, BMW released the 507, a stunning two-seat Roadster that delivered exhilarating performance, luxury, and rarity, which remains one of the most coveted BMW models ever produced. At the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show, BMW displayed a stylish retro-inspired concept car, the Z07. The Henrik Fisker-designed concept was initially intended to merely exist as a sole concept, however the incredible reception and overwhelmingly positive acclaim spurred the decision to put it into limited serial production in 1999.

The resulting Z8 remained remarkably faithful to the Z07 concept, with the 507-like twin-nostril front grille and distinctive front-wing vents. A period-style interior had been one of the Z07's most remarked upon features, and that too made it into the Z8, including a banjo-style steering wheel. The sleek and taught bodywork was all wrought in aluminum, as was the space-frame chassis. The 4,941cc V8 engine was aluminum as well, a 400-horsepower power-plant that motivates this lithe roadster to 60mph in a scant 4.2 seconds. Needless to say, the Z8 was fitted with all the luxury appointments befitting a flagship model: traction control, stability control, front and side air bags, GPS navigation, climate control and power operation of the seats, steering wheel and convertible top.

Along with being a stunning, hand built limited-production roadster, BMW further enhanced the Z8's appeal to collectors by announcing that a 50-year stockpile of Z8 parts would be maintained. Despite a hefty launch price, initial demand was so high that a bidding war broke out, with many Z8s selling for well in excess of MSRP. By the time production ceased in 2003, 5,703 of these fabulous cars had been built.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This splendid example of BMW's limited-production retro-inspired Roadster was completed at the Munich based Bayerische Motoren Werke in May of 2001. Built for the US market, the new BMW was finished in the rare and desirable Topaz Blue Metallic and trimmed in Black. According to BMW records on file, the car is one of just 135 Z8's finished in such a livery. The new Z8 came to Newark, NJ later in May of 2001, and was sold to its first owner shortly thereafter. The car is believed to have remained in the North East until 2013, when it was sold from Cleveland, Ohio based luxury car dealer, Marshall Goldman, with just over 2,000 miles on the odometer. The consignor – a Southern California based enthusiast with a taste for fine European sports cars - purchased the Z8 in 2013, with less than 2,100 miles on the odometer, and has since maintained the car at authorized BMW service centers. Most recently, in 2018, a large service was performed, with installment of new tires. With fewer than 5,400 original miles, this well cared for example is in wonderful, original condition throughout. The smart aluminum bodywork presents beautifully, and the 507-inspired interior is in similarly excellent condition, with its luxurious hides showing minimal wear.

This is a wonderful and well-sorted example of one of the 2,543 units produced for the US market, and one of just 135 in Topaz Blue over Black. The BMW comes complete with factory hard top and many factory accessories. In the desirable 6-Speed manual configuration, with the potent 32-Valve V8 engine out front, this Z8 would be an easy-to-use Sunday morning driver. This Z8 is a highly collectible BMW, with outstanding performance and gorgeous aesthetics.