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Winning bid
£36,255

1990 BMW Z1

Highlights

  • Very low mileage and in superb condition 
  • Recent £4,500 recommissioning 
  • Will be sold with 12 months MOT with no advisories 
  • Rare AC Schnitzer upgrades 
  • UK registered car with EU duties also paid 
  • BMW design classic & very collectable 

The Appeal 

Sometimes even very sensible people do some surprising things. Such was the case when BMW unveiled the Z1. While Mazda was wowing buyers with the highly conventional MX5, the Munich firm chose a very different route to two seater thrills. 
The Z1 was both capable and clever. Its calling card was those remarkable retractable doors, but this fibreglass sports car was also agile and engaging, thanks to early adoption of BMW’s multilink rear suspension.  Just 8,200 were built over two short years. 
Built in early 1990 this very low mileage, superbly preserved example is one of only a handful road registered in the UK. It features an array of desirable AC Schnitzer trimmings.  
In the hands of its long term owner since 2010 it has been mostly carefully stored in recent years to preserve the mileage having only covered 207kms during this time. Recently recommissioned at a cost of £4,500 by the vendor, it comes with a fresh service, new tyres, cambelt change and advisory-free MOT.  
The Z1 is both distinctive and collectable and this is one of the best we’ve seen.  

History and Paperwork 

  • Originally registered in Belgium in early 1990 
  • Imported to the UK in February 2010 and just two owners since 
  • Current owner since 2010 who used it for one year before carefully dry storing it to preserve the condition 
  • EU and UK duties have been paid which we are told means it could be returned to the EU without paying fees 
  • VIN records show that the car was produced on 15th January 1990 
  • BMW Certificate of Conformity 
  • Original factory handbooks including for the radio system 
  • Electrical repairs undertaken by BMW to the ABS in September 2023 
  • £2,567 spent on recommissioning work in August 2023 
  • The car will be sold with an advisory free MOT 
  •  The MOT history confirms the limited use since 2012 with just 200kms covered 
Recent recommissioning work costing £4,500 and including: 
  • Cambelt 
  • Full service including all fluids 
  • Brake fluid change 
  • New Continental tyres all round 
  • Fresh 12 months MOT with no advisories 
High specification car including AC Schnitzer accessories believed fitted when new: 
  • AC Schnitzer alloy wheels, pedals, chrome tail pipes, steering wheel and gear knob 
  • AC Schnitzer cam cover and exhaust system 
  • Power steering 
  • Electric windows 

The Condition 

 
  • Very smartly presented car reflecting careful storage and sparing use 
  •  Few signs of age or use around the car, whether inside or out 
  • Underside in similar order with no issues to report 
  • Red fibreglass bodywork well kept with no deterioration in panelwork to note 
  • Smart five spoke AC Schnitzer alloys with polished rims and in very good order 
  • New Continental tyres fitted all round 
  • Superb interior is highly preserved and very original with AC Schnitzer highlights 
  • Light grey leather with fabric inserts and red seat backs, all unmarked and uncreased 
  • Original BMW audio system with Traffic Pro system, only light deterioration to LCD display visible 
  • That apart the interior presents virtually as new with excellent switchgear and trim 
  • Black fabric roof in similar condition with deep colour and clear screen 
  •  
The Z1 is a handsomely designed sports car with excellent proportions and yet it is hard not to be immediately drawn to those remarkable doors. 33 years on from this car hitting the showroom they remaining astonishing.  
This car leans into the stand-out specification with its bright red paintwork and contrasting light grey leather colour scheme. As you might expect of such a low mileage car that has been carefully stored for much of its life, it is in superb condition. The fibreglass finish is in good order with excellent paint finish and the exterior fittings including those lovely AC Schnitzer wheels continue the impression of a much-loved car. 
Inside the story continues. The cabin presents virtually as new, the sculpted seats a reminder that this is a performance six cylinder sports car. The AC Schnitzer trimmings inside are a neat touch that further elevate this fascinating car. 
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The Mechanics 

  • 2.5litre M20B25 straight six BMW engine developing 165bhp 
  • 5spd manual gearbox 
  • AC Schnitzer cam cover and exhaust system 
  • Recently recommissioned at cost of £4,500 including cambelt, servicing and other work detailed above
Come for those remarkable doors but stay for what is a hugely capable and rewarding sports car. The Z1 combines two of BMW’s finest technical achievements, its sinuous 2.5litre straight six engine and early adoption of the firm’s multilink rear suspension. In tandem these deliver a sports car that is both quick and engaging.  
This car has been in the hands of the seller since 2010 but he only used it for 1 year before dry storing it to preserve the mileage and condition. This is backed up by the MOT history which shows a previous test in 2012 and just 200kms covered since.  
The vendor has therefore fully recommissioned the car before sale, expending £4,500 on everything from the cambelt to servicing and tyres. It will also be sold with a fresh 12 months advisory-free MOT. 
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 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. 
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing. 
Winning bid
£36,255
Sold

Auction Details

  • Year1990
  • MakeBMW
  • ModelZ1
  • ColourRed
  • Odometer54,706 Kilometres
  • Engine size2500cc
  • TransmissionManual, 5 speed
  • Steering positionLeft Hand Drive
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypeTrade
  • TownHorsham
  • CountySussex
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

35 Bids

phil-mu••••
Bid
£36,255
19/01/24
rsx.fan••••
Bid
£35,300
19/01/24
clement••••
Bid
£34,805
19/01/24
phil-mu••••
Bid
£34,555
19/01/24
phil-mu••••
Bid
£34,000
19/01/24
clement••••
Bid
£33,250
19/01/24
phil-mu••••
Bid
£33,000
19/01/24
clement••••
Bid
£32,250
19/01/24
phil-mu••••
Bid
£32,000
19/01/24
clement••••
Bid
£30,750
19/01/24

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