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Premium Collector Cars Auction
11
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1991 – BMW Z1 The propeller-badged brand’s vision of the fut…
See original version (French)
11
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1991 – BMW Z1 The propeller-badged brand’s vision of the fut…
See original version (French)
Estimate €45,000 - €55,000
Voluntary lot
Description
1991 – BMW Z1
The propeller-badged 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 colour scheme, nappa leather and yellow fabric interior, yellow headlights
- Originally registered in France and third-hand ownership from a family of BMW dealers
- Only 64,450 km on the clock, with a full service history and in good condition for its age, with a few minor imperfections
- Original, blank service booklet, owner’s manuals, spare key and accessories
The full file and additional photos for each vehicle are available via the following Drive link (upon request for access):
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lGJ4wjEQFbPZQt2r2CTdicpUI9SYtqUK?usp=share_link
Unveiled at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Z1 is a small, highly innovative two-seater roadster featuring 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-series of roadsters, 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 – consists of the 2.5-litre M20 straight-six engine producing 170 chevaux, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox; The engine’s characteristic inline-six sound is enhanced by an exhaust system with a catalytic converter, designed specifically for 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 exceptionally precise for a car in this category, largely thanks to its monocoque chassis – made of hot-dip galvanised steel to ensure rigidity and 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 unique roadster, which is both retro and avant-garde.
Originally planned to be produced in a 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 here 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 series 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 unusual configuration was, moreover, no doubt designed precisely with this in mind.
Indeed, it features an ‘Urgrün Metallic’ green paint finish, combined with a nappa leather and yellow fabric interior with seat shells matching the bodywork, and it is still fitted with its 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 great care to select a first-class 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, likely due to regular servicing.
Aesthetically, apart from a few minor signs of wear on the bodywork and in the interior – which are quite delicate on this model – the condition is also entirely satisfactory, although it could be improved by a thorough cosmetic refurbishment. It should nevertheless be noted that the right-hand door panel is affected by a problem commonly found on this model with its fibreglass bodywork: 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 booklet, 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 is on offer here. So why not treat yourself to this pleasure car, which is ultimately both unusual and practical, and increasingly prized by collectors!
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits:
Fabian Breton, Quentin Decorps, Célia Huart, Alexis Ruben
See original version (French)
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