2003 BMW Alpina V8 Roadster

4,800cc 32-Valve DOHC V8 Engine
Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection
375bhp at 6,600rpm
5-Speed Steptronic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Fewer than 31,000 miles
*Factory hardtop included
*Just Two owners from new
*Number 237 of just 555 cars built

THE BMW Z8

In 1956, BMW released the 507, a stunning two-seat Roadster that delivered exhilarating performance, luxury, and rarity that remains one of the most coveted BMW models ever produced. At the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show, BMW displayed a stylish retro-inspired concept car, the Z07. The Henrik Fisker-designed concept was initially intended to merely exist as a sole concept, however the incredible reception and overwhelmingly positive acclaim spurred the decision to put it into limited serial production in 1999.

The resulting Z8 remained remarkably faithful to the Z07 concept, with the 507-like twin-nostril front grille and distinctive front-wing vents. A period-style interior had been one of the Z07's most remarked upon features, and that too made it into the Z8, including a banjo-style steering wheel. The sleek and taught bodywork was all wrought in aluminum, as was the space-frame chassis. The V8 engine was aluminum as well, with massive torque and horsepower figures. Needless to say, the Z8 was fitted with all the luxury appointments befitting a flagship model: traction control, stability control, front and side air bags, GPS navigation, climate control and power operation of the seats, steering wheel and convertible top.

Along with being a stunning, hand built limited-production Roadster, BMW further enhanced the Z8's appeal to collectors by announcing that a 50-year stockpile of Z8 parts would be maintained. Despite a hefty launch price, initial demand was so high that a bidding war broke out, with many Z8s selling for well in excess of MSRP. By the time production ceased in 2002, 5,703 of these fabulous cars had been built.

With production of the Z8 completed by November 2002, for 2003 the Z8 was replaced by the limited edition Alpina V8 Roadster. A new, softer grade of Nappa leather replaced the Z8's less supple specification, and special Alpina gauges were featured on the dash cluster. An Alpina steering wheel with three solid spokes replaced the original, and larger Alpina wheels were fitted.

In the United States, this special edition Z8 was sold directly through BMW dealerships, marking a first for Alpina, whose cars had never been sold through retail channels in the U.S. Only 555 of these Alpinas were built.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Alpina V8 Roadster, one of just 555 examples produced worldwide and 450 for the US market, was completed at the BMW works in May of 2003. The new BMW V8 Roadster was sold new from Roadshow BMW of Memphis Tennessee April 15, 2004, to the first of two owners the car has ever had. The car continues to be maintained by Roadshow BMW with complete service history included in the sale.

The Z8 Alpina was ordered in Jet Black with Black convertible soft top and Jet Black removable hard top to be included in the sale although it was not available during photography. Upon inspection the paint and glass are in very good condition with no notable scratches or blemishes and has been ceramic coated for added protection. The right rear or passenger rear wheel has a small ding that has not been fixed at the time of this writing. The BMW Alpina drives and performs as advertised and does not disappoint. The handling and braking feel as though the car just left dealership.

Most recently received a thorough cleaning and ceramic coating making cleaning a simple process and offers long term protection from the elements. The Jet Black paintwork, complimented by the unmistakable 20-inch Alpina multi-spoke wheels, accentuates the sleek BMW 507-inspired bodywork. The interior is swathed in black with a body-colored dashboard. The car is optioned with a lovely black hard top, making the car very usable in any climate. This rare German convertible has less than 16,800 miles from new, and is ready to be driven and enjoyed by its just second owner.