Highlights

Two registered owners, current ownership since March 2010
Original specification in full, apart from a single Alpine radio unit
Garage kept in a ventilated, dry environment throughout the current ownership period
Timing belt, fuel pump and water pump all renewed in October 2024
Technical Inspection valid until October 2029

The Appeal

The BMW Z1 was a truly radical proposition when it arrived in 1989. It was unlike anything else at BMW, and to be honest, unlike any other production car on the market. With its thermoplastic body panels, a zinc‑galvanised chassis and those extraordinary vertically opening doors, it was incredibly cool and remarkably innovative. No wonder the “Z” in its name stands for “future” – the Zukunft.

Only 8,000 examples were built between 1989 and 1991, and the Z1 has since become one of the most sought-after cars to roll off a Bavarian production line.

This 1990 example, in red with grey upholstery, is in very good condition, showing 55,970 kilometres on the odometer. It has had only two registered owners, the current owner having acquired the car in March 2010. Throughout this period, it has been kept in a garage in a ventilated, dry environment and regularly serviced, with all invoices kept since 2010. Recent major works include renewing the timing belt, fuel pump and water pump in October 2024.

This Z1 retains its original specification overall, with the exception of one Alpine radio unit. The seller tells us the car runs smoothly and that everything operates as it should. Registered in France and accompanied by a valid Technical Inspection until October 2029, this is a particularly compelling proposition. Not to be missed!

History and Documents

First registration in 1990
French Collection registration document with matching serial numbers
The service book was lost during a visit to BMW, but all invoices have been kept since March 2010. The lost records can be verified at the BMW official dealership.
Regular maintenance carried out throughout the current ownership period

The Condition

Highly original example in a vivid red finish
30th anniversary decals applied
Bodywork comprised of thermoplastic panels, except for the engine lid/front and rear bumpers
Overall body looks sound with light wear
The vertical doors appear to lift properly
Small unexplained recent dink/repair on the left rear wing
Underbody support for better aerodynamics
Interior showing some patina
Slightly worn seats, particularly around the head restraints
Upholstery shows a pleasing patina
Original dashboard
The only non-original item is the Alpine CDE-133BT radio
The seller indicates that everything functions as it should

The Mechanical

2,494 cc inline six-cylinder four-stroke engine
Five-speed manual gearbox
Engine bay in good condition
Mechanically considered very standard
Stainless steel exhaust fitted
Renewal of the timing belt, fuel pump and water pump undertaken in October 2024
Reported to start, shift gears and run correctly

BEFORE BUYING

This sale is subject to Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By placing a bid and/or making an offer, you also agree to what follows:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, meaning that European consumer protection rights do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions ..

✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the winning bidder at the auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and T&Cs for the specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an As Is Where Is basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for guidance only and it is standard practice to conduct a full vehicle inspection before purchase for your peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer’s fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final auction price or offer, as stated in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction as much as you do, and, to that end, Car & Classic conducts an HPI check on all UK-registered vehicles listed for sale to verify there are no markers in motor insurers’ databases for damage or theft, and that there is no outstanding finance, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are declared as written off in the event of total loss by an insurer at the time the listing is posted on Car & Classic, and we conveniently provide accident category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always wise to perform your own comprehensive vehicle history check before bidding on a vehicle.

✓ The buyer is responsible for collecting the vehicle

or for its delivery. Importing vehicles may incur customs duties and import taxes, so please check beforehand. It is the bidder’s responsibility to confirm import eligibility before purchase.