Description
1991 – BMW Z1
The brand’s propeller-driven vision of the future in the late 1980s
French registration title –
- The first model in the Z roadster series, which went on to become a benchmark in its class –
- A late-production example from the first run of the most sought-after model –
- Rare Urgrün Metallic specification: nappa leather and yellow fabric interior, yellow headlamps –
- Original French-supplied car and 3rd owner from a BMW dealership family –
- Only 64, 450 km, with well-documented servicing and good condition, showing just a few minor signs of wear –
- Original service booklet, owner’s manuals, key duplicate and accessories
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1987, the Z1 is a small, two-seat roadster that was highly innovative thanks to its surprising retractable doors. Carrying on the legacy of the prestigious BMW 507—itself the heir to the famous 328 racing roadster that debuted in 1936—the Z1 rekindles Bavarian-brand roadster tradition. It kick-starts BMW’s formidable Z roadster line, paving the way for the sculpted Z8 on one hand, and being the foundation for the future Z3 and Z4 on the other. That’s perhaps only logical, since the “Z” name refers to “zukunft”, meaning “future” in German.
Stylistically successful, the Z1 also benefits from excellent aerodynamics. Technically, its mechanicals—borrowed from the BMW 325i E30—are powered by the M20 straight-six of 2. 5 litres, developing 170 bhp, paired with a mechanical 5-speed gearbox. This six-cylinder’s distinctive sound is enhanced by an exhaust system with a catalyst, specific to the Z1.
Made more lively by its relatively modest weight, thanks to a body made of plastic panels, and by a good distribution of mass, this setup gives the Z1 sufficiently dynamic road manners for a cabriolet. Indeed, the Z1’s driving behaviour is especially rigorous for a car of this category, largely due to its hot-dip galvanised monocoque chassis—steel, for stiffness—manufactured by Baur, to which a composite plastic floor is bonded and bolted.
The cockpit—with leather, bucket seats and a competition-style dashboard—perfectly reflects the sporty impression the Z1 gives off. That sensation is even heightened by the ability to drive with the doors lowered with this original, hard-to-categorise roadster: both retro and forward-looking.
Originally planned for a production run of 4, 000 units, in the face of the success of this remarkable car, 8, 000 Z1s were ultimately built for the entire world.
The BMW Z1 we present was delivered by the BMW Charles Pozzi dealership in Paris on 18 January 1991, before being officially put into circulation on 13 February of the following year. As it concerns chassis number 3681, it is an example from the first batch of 4, 000 cars—the one most coveted by collectors—yet it has evidently been used for a time as a demonstrator before being sold to its first owner, with registration occurring relatively late compared to its production.
This situation is very likely due to the fact that it’s a rare French-supplied original car, which first had to be used for promotional or commercial purposes. Its fairly exceptional specification was almost certainly designed with exactly that in mind.
Indeed, it wears the green “Urgrün Metallic” paint, paired with a nappa leather and yellow fabric interior, with seat shells matched to the bodywork, and it also still has its original yellow front headlamps—equipment that matches its French delivery.
This Z1 has been in the same hands since 2019 and has had just three owners in total. The last two are brothers from a BMW dealership family. The current owner’s brother, who bought it from the first owner—in 1995, according to the Histovec report—had therefore taken care to choose a standout example.
Mechanically, although the service history isn’t available because maintenance was carried out internally at the family’s BMW dealership workshops, the car is enjoyable to drive thanks to maintenance that was very likely regular. Visually, aside from a few minor signs of wear on the bodywork or interior, which are fairly fragile areas on this model, the condition is also entirely satisfactory, even if it could be improved with a deep cosmetic preparation.
That said, the right-hand door skin is affected by a well-known issue on this model: the body’s fibreglass structure. Specifically, it’s split vertically, and there’s also a crack around the passenger door shut/ push-button latch area. With barely 64, 450 km on the clock, this Z1 is therefore in good overall condition—both in terms of presentation and operation. Entirely original…
