Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 104
1996 BMW Z3 James Bond Edition Roadster VIN. 4USCH7325TLE00762
Sold for US$22,400 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 104
One of 100 sold exclusively through Nieman Marcus
1996 BMW Z3 James Bond Edition Roadster
1996 BMW Z3 James Bond Edition Roadster
The Audrain Concours Auction|4 October 2024, 17:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1996 BMW Z3 James Bond Edition Roadster
VIN. 4USCH7325TLE00762
VIN. 4USCH7325TLE00762
1,796cc SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Motronic M 1.7 Fuel Injection
114bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Getrag Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Coil Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Power-Assisted Hydraulic Disc Brakes
*Number 62 of 100 launch edition Z3s
*Offered exclusively through luxury retailer Nieman Marcus
*Meticulously preserved and showing 8,145 miles from new
*Identical to the Z3 driven by James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) in Goldeneye
*Special '007' accessories
*A celebrated new vehicle launch and co-promotion
*The first BMW model produced solely in the U.S. for world markets
*Superb condition
THE BMW Z3
BMW had not built a two-seat roadster since the famous 507 of the 1950's, but that all changed in 1996 with the introduction of the Z3 roadster. Its design echoed the classic BMW 507 in a modern package designed by Joji Nagashima and drivetrain and chassis based on the already highly successful E36-series 3-series sedan.
Adding to the Z3's significance was BMW's decision to put it into production solely at BMW's new factory in Greer, South Carolina, the first BMW product line to be built entirely from inception in the U.S. Initially offered in four-cylinder form, the Z3 followed the classic roadster formula – long hood, short deck styling, punchy four-cylinder engine set back in the chassis, light weight, and superb balance.
BMW then embarked upon an unusual, complex and extensive marketing program to introduce the Z3 to the public centered around MGM's 1996 James Bond movie Goldeneye starring Pierce Brosnan. Mister Bond, famous for driving exotic cars from a Blower Bentley through a series of Aston Martins, chose the new Z3 for Goldeneye kicking off a wildly successful marketing introduction.
As a result, the first year's Z3 production of about 15,000 cars was sold out before the first one ever arrived at a BMW dealer. A special promotion in Nieman Marcus's famed Christmas catalog brought one hundred exclusive James Bond Edition Z3s to lucky buyers. Offered in the same Atlantic Blue and Taupe leather livery as 007's Goldeneye Z3, the James Bond edition Z3s were lavishly equipped including 5-speed gearbox, air conditioning, power seats, power windows, wood grain interior trim, trunk-mounted CD changer, custom 007 Edition floor mats, unique exterior chrome accents, a rear deck luggage rack with luggage shell containing fitted cases and discrete model identification. Even at a premium cost of $35,000, the James Bond Edition Z3s quickly sold out.
The introductory marketing campaign was so successful it won the national "Super Reggie" award from the Brand Activation Association which describes the accomplishment as being "the crème de la crème of the marketing world."
THE CAR OFFERED
This BMW Z3 James Bond Edition Roadster has been collector owned throughout its life. Today it displays just over 8,000 miles on its odometer and after years in enthusiast hands in climate-controlled environment, it is presented in essentially showroom condition. In the care of the consignor since 2015, it has remained very well preserved. The Atlantic Blue paintwork is in excellent order, and the car features the correct special-edition details including the luggage rack, '007' floor mats, and luggage shell. The accompanying CARFAX report shows no accidents or incidents, though it indicates a mileage increase from 5,712 miles in mid-June 2015 to 41,355 miles in January 2016 – a highly improbable 35,643-mile increase in less than 6 months – and contradictory to the mileage displayed. State inspection reports on file further back the original mileage.
Now approaching 30 years since its debut, this special roadster offers BMW collectors the chance to acquire a singularly significant and instantly recognizable BMW Z3.
Saleroom notices
Please note that the Carfax has been correct to remove the mileage discrepancy.
Additional information
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