When the BMW Z1 was first shown to the public, the company had absolutely no intention of actually putting it into production and BMW had generally shied away from two seater roadsters since the V8 engined 507 – a very beautiful commercial failure for BMW.
The Z1 was an instant hit with the public when images of sharp looking two-seater were leaked to the world's press, but if BMW had had stuck to its initial plan, the roadster would never have gone beyond the planning stages. Its unusual appearance and clever doors stem from the fact it was simply acting as development mule for the E36 3-Series’ clever new Z-axle.
After such a great reception for the concept, it became clear that there might actually be a market for such a creation, and BMW quickly moved to launch a limited edition run of the Z1 In 1987. Characterful and quirky are not words usually associated with BMWs, but the Z1 has both attributes in spades while also retaining BMW's great reputation for performance and speed. Take one look at this slightly odd-looking two-seater, and you can instantly see that the designers had a lot of fun putting it together, and that sense of enjoyment translated brilliantly to the driving experience. Every one was left-hand drive, although official UK cars came with a speedometer in miles per hour and a fuel gauge in gallons rather than litres plus a large amount of the mechanicals were borrowed from the E30 too, although a completely bespoke chassis and bodyshell caused the price of the Z1 to soar – pushing this 170bhp two-seater to around the same as a basic Porsche 911!
In total, 8,000 Z1's were produced between October 1988 and June 1991 with many of those still on the roads today.
This lovely Z1 - Chassis No: 1469 was supplied new by BMW dealer Sundridge Park in Bromley, Kent and first registered on 19th January 1990. It is finished in BMW Dream Black Metallic, which appears dark Green in certain light conditions and has Dark Green Leather upholstery and Green carpets, Black Mohair Soft Top (replaced in 2015), Three Spoke Steering Wheel, Electric Windows and Doors, Electric Door Mirrors, standard Heating, Sony Stereo/single CD player with Bluetooth, Wind Deflector, BMW Fitted Alarm/Immobiliser, 2494cc Straight Six Engine, 5 Speed Manual Gearbox, Power Assisted Steering, Front and Rear Disc Brakes, and unique 16" seven spoke Alloy Wheels with relatively new Nexen 225/45/16 tyres.
It has only had 3 former keepers from new with the current owner having bought the car in December 1995 - 28 years this December, and it has now covered 59,963 miles from new with a full and comprehensive service history with 22 stamps in the Service Book from both BMW main dealers and BMW specialists and it has also had 2 cam belt changes during its life. The speedometer was replaced in February 2015 by BMW specialist BMS Surrey @ 58,505 miles and it has only covered a further 1,458 miles in the last 8 years and 59,963 miles in total and a copy of their invoice for this is shown in the documents section of this advert.
The car was last serviced and MOT'd by BMS Surrey in December 2022 and it has been driven 124 miles since then. It comes with its original BMW wallet with all books and manuals, all MOT certificates from 1995 to date, a huge file of invoices, ownership history including V5 registration documents, an indoor car cover and an all-weather car cover, all tools and jacks, space saver spare wheel with cover, battery conditioner and the original speedometer and circuit board replaced in 2015.
This car is in excellent condition throughout with really nice paintwork, reconnolised leather seats and of course they do not rust as they have a fully galvanised chassis and plastic body panels. There are some scuffs to the alloy wheel rims on a couple of the wheels, but other than this, the car is hard to fault.
These are very rare cars and prices have increased quite dramatically over the last 20 years and should continue to appreciate in value.
Upon sale the car will receive a pre-sales service and new MOT and it will come with our own 6 Month Mechanical Warranty which can be upgraded and extended at additional cost if required.
Car on Display @ our showrooms.
NB: Classic Chrome Ltd make every effort to ensure that the information in this advertisement is accurate and all statements as to provenance and condition are given as opinions only. When describing any car that is more than 20 years old, we sometimes have to rely on the car’s history file and any information provided by the previous owner(s). This information in passed on in good faith and is therefore not purported to be a statement of fact. Any prospective purchaser must satisfy themselves as to the condition and fitness for use of the vehicle. This does not affect your statutory rights.
