BMW’s Z range of sports cars took a while to get going in Europe, but it was the Z4 that finally put aside suggestions that the German company couldn’t get the styling or dynamics of a sports car right.
 
The Z4’s predecessor, the Z3, was criticised during its seven-year life, much of it laid at its feet by a prejudicial European media who didn’t like the fact that BMW was making its first volume sports car not in Germany, but in Spartanburg, North Carolina. It was part of BMW’s investment in US design and manufacturing and despite being based on the entirely competent chassis of the E36 saloon, the Z3 was criticised for having a hard ride and poor steering – not entirely true. It was also hauled over the coals for its build quality, and in that respect the critics made a fair point.

With the launch of the Z4, though, BMW answered its critics. The new two-seater, known inside BMW as the E85, made its debut at the 2002 Paris Motor Show as a compact rear-drive roadster with similar dimensions to the Z3, but in a less challenging outfit and with sharper dynamics.
 
It was designed by Danish stylist Andres Warming and wore clear echoes of the controversial Chris Bangle ‘flame surface’ styling but was less dramatically executed.
 
It was initially offered only with six-cylinder engines, in 2.2-litre, 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre capacity. This one is the daddy of them all – the 228bhp 3.0-litre with manual transmission – a 155mph car with a 0-60 time of less than six seconds. There’s no argument that it’s a proper sports car, and good examples are becoming increasingly sought-after.

With a comprehensive history behind it, this is a great example of the perfect future classic.

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