Highlights

Just 9,342 kilometres from new, having been owned by a BMW dealership for thirty years
Highly original and even still sitting upon its original Pirelli tyres!
Revisione valid for 2 years, until 31/03/2026

The Appeal

Our roads are awash with homogenous metal boxes, so it’s rather refreshing when a car manufacturer is bold enough to do something a little differently. And the BMW Z1 is a case in point. When developing their new roadster, the clever engineers at BMW must have looked at the humble door and thought, “we can do better”... Therefore, for the ultimate convertible experience, you can drive with not just the roof down, but the doors as well!

Aside from this unconventional and fun feature, the Z1 featured innovative thermoplastic and glass fibre bodywork built upon a rigid steel monocoque. The styling is quite distinctive and its sporting looks were matched by the eager straight-six under the bonnet. This 1991 example has quite the remarkable history, having been owned by a BMW dealership for some thirty years. It has covered a mere 9,342 kilometres since 1991 and the vendor points out that it’s so original that it still wears its original Pirelli tyres!

A great many BMW enthusiasts want Z1s in their collections but there are few to go around. This example has covered far fewer kilometres than most and so is a very special machine. So whether you’re looking for a characterful modern classic roadster, (or simply can’t stand conventional doors), this Z1 would be a fantastic option.

The History and Paperwork

Owned by a BMW dealership in La Spezia since new in 1991
Used sparingly, but enough to keep the mechanicals in order, coving just under 9,000 kilometres in thirty years
The vendor acquired the car in 2021
The current odometer reading is 9,342
Original user manual and service booklet
Italian registration documentation
Recent independent inspection report

The Condition

Metallic green paintwork
Seven-spoke alloy wheels, still wearing their original tyres
Some of the thermoplastic / GRP bodywork has cracked with age and will require repair to stabilise it
We understand the steel monocoque to be in good order and free from corrosion since this car has seen little use and has spent a great deal of its life indoors
There are also a few small cuffs to the bodywork, which still wears its original paint
The roof operates correctly, as do the doors
Camouflage-effect seat upholstery
All the soft furnishing and plastic present very well for their age
Minimal wear commensurate with the low kilometrage
All looks to be original, with no modifications in sight

This BMW is very original on the outside, and so it does show its age in a few places. Some of the thermoplastic and GRP bodywork has cracked with age and will require repair work in order to stabilise it. Otherwise all presents well for its age with just a few small scuffs and scratches around the body. The roof is in good order, folding correctly and those zany doors do their thing too, we’re glad to report.

While this is a 32 year-old car now, you wouldn’t think so by looking at the interior. With so few kilometres on the odometer, its interior has very little in the way of wear and no damage that we could see. All looks to be original, unrestored and free from modification. It still has a period correct radio and we understand all the switchgear to be working correctly.

The Mechanics

2.5-litre straight-six petrol engine
Five-speed manual gearbox
Said to be running and driving very well indeed

BMW are rather good at straight-six engines and the Z1 features their capable M20B25 unit which produces 170 bhp. A five-speed Getrag manual gearbox puts that power down through the rear wheels, and this makes it quite the nimble sports car.

The vendor comments that the steering is particularly fun with this example, making it perfect for navigating those twistier backroads. It is said to run really well, with no faults or untoward noises.

The recent independent inspection report states:

There are no mechanical abnormalities in the front and rear of the car
All mechanical parts in the wheel parts have no play or signs of impacts
Rubber wear is minimal, (tires 80%)
There are no oil leaks on the front and rear shock absorbers although there are
slight oozes are present on the cylinder block, none are present on the transmission
The headsets of the axle shafts are intact and the axle shafts in very good condition
Brake pads and discs in very good condition
The electrical system is in full working order

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:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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