Highlights
- Low mileage well kept car
- FSH with recent service & cambelt
- Thick history file
- Long term enthusiast owner
- MOT to April 2024 with no advisories
- Great example of this BMW rarity
The Appeal
BMW’s simply named Z1 arrived in showrooms at the same time as Mazda’s equally simply named MX5 but that is where the similarities ended. With its straight six engine, sophisticated suspension and those jaw-dropping disappearing doors, the BMW never intended it to be a straight fight.
The Z1 may be known for its lightweight fibreglass bodywork and those incredible doors but enthusiasts also appreciate it as a highly capable sports car. After all, it features the superb M20 2.5litre straight six, one of the firm’s finest achievements, and was an early adopter of BMW’s clever multi-link rear suspension that transformed the driving experience of all its cars in subsequent years.
This 1990 Z1 was built in September 1989 and first registered in the UK in May 1990. Finished in popular green metallic it is in excellent order thanks to low mileage and a long term owner. The history file is similarly impressive and includes FSH. Recent work includes a service, clutch slave cylinder and cambelt in December 2023. The MOT runs to April 2024 with no advisories.
Rare and rewarding, perhaps now is the time to grab yourself one of BMW’s most distinctive and unusual two seaters.
The History and Paperwork
- First UK registered on 10th May 1990
- Factory built on 29th September 1989 and in factory-correct trim
- Five registered keepers from first UK registration
- Current registered keeper since 6th September 2007
- Factory handbook and service book included
- Appears to have been first registered for road use in UK as has English language manuals
- Thick history file as shown in photographs
- Full service history with nine stamps to 11th September 2023
- Speedometer changed at 37,612 miles as confirmed by BMW Sytner correspondence
- This correspondence is dated 19th April 2002
- We have used a mileage reading that takes this change into account
- Clutch slave cylinder replaced on 19th December 2023
- Service and timing belt replaced on 11th December 2023
- Seats recoloured and refitted in April 2007
- Evidence of regular cambelt changes in service book
- One of only 8,000 cars built of which most were sold on the home market
- MOT to 5th April 2024 with no advisories
- Impressive MOT history with few advisories and which confirms mileage
The Condition
- Factory finished in ‘grun’ metallic, one of the most popular colours for Z1s
- Remarkable disappearing doors which are in full working order
- Factory standard car inside and out
- FIbreglass bodywork well kept with good paintwork and only light minor marks visible
- These include a small scuff to the offside front bumper corner
- Six spoke 16in factory alloy wheels in good order with only light kerbing
- Quality Toyo Proxes fitted all round in good condition with plenty of tread
- Very original car including Sytner dealer plates
- Black fabric roof in good order and working correctly with clear screen
- No structural advisories on current or recent MOT
- Space saver spare wheel with cover
- Well kept cabin with factory fitted sports seats in cream leather with fabric trim
- Seats an older retrim in good order
- Only loose fabric to passenger seat base to note
- Factory supplied without a radio and now fitted with Pioneer Bluetooth unit
- Pioneer speakers discreetly fitted to rear bulkhead
- Three spoke leather steering wheel
The Mechanics
- Highly regarded 2,494cc M20 6cyl engine developing 165bhp
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Early adopter of BMW’s multi-link rear suspension
- Full service history
- Recent service, cambelts and clutch slave cylinder
- Thick history file
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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