• Very rare right-hand drive example
• Only two owners from new
• Resident in Germany all its life
• BMW M5 V10 engine
• Last serviced in 2021

Brothers Martin and Friedhelm Wiesmann founded their eponymous company in 1988 in Dülmen, Germany with the intention of building niche sports cars for discerning enthusiasts. The company chose the gecko as its logo, claiming their cars 'stick to the road like geckos to a wall'. Wiesmann's first roadster left the factory in 1993. By 2006, they were producing the Wiesmann MF3 and MF30 roadsters and the Wiesmann GT MF4 coupé, all of which utilized engine and transmission components supplied by BMW. Unfortunately, plans to export to Wiesmann's potentially biggest market, the USA, came to nought and the company filed for bankruptcy in August 2013. It was later revived under new ownership.

The GT MF5 made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008, with the Roadster MF5 version following at the Frankfurt IAA in 2009. The MF5 is constructed around an aluminium monocoque chassis with glassfibre body. Earlier cars were fitted with a 5.0-litre BMW V10, later ones with the German manufacturer's 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.

Over the years Wiesmann built around 1,600 cars. The Wiesmann Roadster MF5 and GT MF5 are rare; in total fewer than 200 were made, 43 of which were roadsters. It therefore follows that the remainder were the GT coupé. In 2009 Wiesmann began to offer right-hand drive models but they remain extremely rare. The car offered here is one of a limited edition released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Wiesmann company in 2008. The edition was limited to 20 cars; this one is number '18' and probably the only one that is right-hand drive.

Its specification is impressive, featuring the BMW V10 engine from the M5 of the era, producing some 555bhp, and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Wiesmann has a top speed of 311km/h (193mph) and mind-blowing acceleration, taking just 3.9 seconds to race from 0-100 km/h.

This Wiesmann was originally bought by a car collector in Germany, who is the only owner to have registered it (in December 2011). Passed to the current (second) owner in 2015, we are informed that the car has always resided in Germany and has not been modified in any way; everything is factory original. The car has always been kept in a dry and heated garage, only moved occasionally to avoid storage damage and for servicing and maintenance. The odometer reading is 548 kilometres at the time of cataloguing. The last service was carried out in 2021 at a cost of just under €4,000. A copy of the invoice is on file and the car also comes with an illustrated brochure detailing its amazing specification (inspection essential) as well as with German registration documents. All its original books, keys and accessories are included in the sale. The factory invoice lists the following options:

Colour: flat white
Interior: black leather and grey Alcantara
Performance pack
Brembo brakes with white calipers

A more than rare opportunity to own a piece of recent German motoring history, with the advantage of BMW reliability and parts supply. And let's not forget, fantastic fun to drive!

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 20% and Import Duty at 10%+VAT on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.