1991 – BMW Z1 - Lot 33

1991 – BMW Z1 The propeller brand’s vision of the future in the late 1980s French registration certificate 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 configuration, nappa leather and yellow fabric interior, yellow headlights - Originally from France and third-hand ownership from a BMW dealership family - Only 64,450 km with regular maintenance and in good used condition with a few minor flaws - Original, blank service booklet, owner’s manuals, spare key, and accessories 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 foundation for BMW’s formidable Z roadster series, paving the way for the sculptural Z8 on the one hand and serving as the inspiration for the future Z3 and Z4 on the other. This makes perfect sense, given that the “Z” designation refers to “zukunft,” which means “future” in German. Stylistically successful, the Z1 also boasts excellent aerodynamics. Technically, its powertrain, borrowed from the BMW 325i E30, is the 2.5L M20 inline-six engine producing 170 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission; an engine whose characteristic inline-six sound is enhanced by a Z1-specific exhaust system with a catalytic converter. Aided by a relatively low weight due 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 handling is very precise for a car in this category, largely thanks to its monocoque chassis made of hot-dip galvanized steel—which enhances its 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 captures the sporty feel of the Z1. This sensation is further enhanced by the ability to drive with the top down in this unique 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 January 18, 1991, before being officially registered on February 13 of that year. With chassis number 3681, this is a model from the first series of 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 its registration was relatively late compared to its production date. This situation most likely stems from the fact that it is a rare example of French origin, which must have initially 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, paired with a yellow nappa leather and fabric interior and seat bolsters matching the bodywork, and it is still equipped with its yellow headlights, a specification consistent with its delivery in France. This Z1 has been in the same ownership since 2019 and has had only three owners in total, with the last two being brothers from a family of BMW dealers. The current owner’s brother, who purchased 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 maintenance history is not available since servicing was performed directly in-house at the family-owned BMW dealership’s workshops, the car drives well, likely due to regular maintenance. Aesthetically, aside from a few minor signs of wear on the bodywork or in the interior—areas that are quite delicate on this model—the condition is also quite satisfactory, though it could be improved with a thorough cosmetic restoration. It should be noted, however, that the right door panel is