1 / 28
a car that is parked on the side of the roada blue sports car parked on the side of the roada green sports car driving down the streeta car that is driving down the street in front of a fencea green convertible car driving down the streeta car that is parked on the side of the roada car that is parked on the side of the roada green sports car parked on the side of the roada green sports car parked on the side of the roada blue sports car parked on the side of the roada blue sports car parked on the side of the roada car that is parked in the driveway with its door opena car with a dashboard and a steering wheel in ita picture of a car with a steering wheel and dashboarda blue convertible car with a white top and black leather seatsan image of a blue convertible car with its doors opena steering wheel and dashboard of a car with a clock on itan image of a blue convertible car with leather seatsa picture of the interior of a classic cara green sports car parked on the side of the roada close up of a car with a license plate on ita green car parked on the side of the roada green car parked on the side of the roada blue sports car parked on the side of the roada dog sitting on the hood of a blue cara close up of a car ' s tail light on the streeta close up of a bmw emblem on a blue cara green convertible car with a surfboard on the roof
Featured lot selected by the auctions House.
Premium Collector Cars Auction

33 - 1991 – BMW Z1 The propeller brand’s vision of the future in …
See original version (French)

Estimate €45,000 - €55,000
Sale commission
Description
1991 – BMW Z1 The propeller brand’s vision of the future in the late 1980s French registration document Chassis no. WBABA91070AL03681 Engine no. 256K1-21127032 - The first model in the Z roadster series, which has become a benchmark in its class - A late production example from the first series of this highly sought-after model - Rare Urgrün Metallic specification, nappa leather and yellow fabric interior, yellow headlights - Originally from France and third-hand ownership from a family of BMW dealers - Only 64,450 km with regular servicing and in good condition with a few minor flaws - Original, blank service book, owner’s manuals, spare key and accessories Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1987, the Z1 is a small, highly innovative two-seater roadster with its surprising retractable doors. Following in the footsteps of the prestigious BMW 507, itself the successor to the famous 328 racing roadster introduced in 1936, the Z1 revives the Bavarian brand’s roadster tradition. It laid the foundations for BMW’s formidable Z roadster series, paving the way for the sculptural Z8 on the one hand and giving rise to the future Z3 and Z4 on the other. This is quite logical, given that the ‘Z’ designation refers to ‘zukunft’, which means ‘future’ in German. Stylistically successful, the Z1 also benefits from excellent aerodynamics. Technically, its powertrain, taken from the BMW 325i E30, is the 2.5-litre M20 straight-six engine producing 170 horsepower, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox; an engine whose characteristic inline-six sound is enhanced by an exhaust system with a catalytic converter, specific to the Z1. Aided by a relatively low kerb weight thanks to a body made of plastic panels, as well as good weight distribution, this powertrain gives the Z1 handling that is sufficiently dynamic for a convertible. The Z1’s road holding is very precise for a car in this category, largely thanks to its monocoque chassis, made of hot-dip galvanised steel to enhance rigidity, manufactured by Baur, to which a composite plastic floor is bonded and bolted. The interior, featuring leather, bucket seats and a racing-style dashboard, perfectly reflects the sporty feel exuded by the Z1. This sensation is further enhanced by the ability to drive with the top down in this original and unclassifiable roadster, which is both retro and avant-garde. Initially planned for a production run of 4,000 units, given the success of this remarkable car, a total of 8,000 Z1s were ultimately manufactured worldwide. The BMW Z1 we are presenting was delivered by the BMW Charles Pozzi dealership in Paris on 18 January 1991, before being officially registered on 13 February of the same year. With chassis number 3681, this is one of the first 4,000 units produced, the most sought-after by collectors, but it was clearly used for some time as a demonstration vehicle before being sold to its first owner, as it was registered relatively late in the production run. This situation is most likely due to the fact that it is a rare example of French origin, which must initially have been used for promotional or commercial purposes. Its rather exceptional configuration was undoubtedly designed precisely with this in mind. Indeed, it features an ‘Urgrün Metallic’ green paint finish, combined with a yellow nappa leather and fabric interior with seat bolsters matching the bodywork, and it is still fitted with its original yellow headlights, as supplied when it was delivered in France. This Z1 has been in the same ownership since 2019 and has had only three owners in total, the last two of whom are brothers from a family of BMW dealers. The current owner’s brother, who bought it from the first owner in 1995 according to the Histovec report, had therefore taken care to select a top-quality example. Mechanically, although the service history is not available as maintenance was carried out directly in-house at the family-run BMW dealership’s workshops, the car is a pleasure to drive thanks to what appears to be regular servicing. Aesthetically, apart from a few minor signs of wear on the bodywork or in the interior – which are quite delicate on this model – the condition is also entirely satisfactory, although it could be improved with a thorough cosmetic overhaul. It should nevertheless be noted that the right-hand door panel is affected by the well-known issue with this model’s fibreglass bodywork, namely that it is split vertically and there is also a crack near the passenger push-button lock. With a total mileage of just 64,450 km, this Z1 is therefore in good overall condition, both in terms of appearance and performance. Entirely original, it also comes with its original service book, which is still blank, apart from the delivery details and stamp, its manuals, a spare key, a full tool kit, a spare wheel in its cover, a jack, and a first-aid kit. This is therefore a rare and interesting Z1, with a clear history and low mileage, that we are offering for sale. So why not treat yourself to this pleasure car, which is ultimately both unusual and practical, and increasingly sought-after by collectors!
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale Cars at the Palace
Auction location
Auction time 06/20/2026 at 4:00 PM
Lot description modified on 06/13/2026 at 10:21 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like