2001 BMW Z8 Convertible with Hardtop

• Delivered new to Belgium
• Only two owners from new
• ca. 66,000 kilometres recorded from new
• Garaged and used only sparingly since 2011
• Freshly serviced for the sale

In recent times many motor manufacturers, particularly those with a significant sporting heritage, have felt the need to reference iconic models from the past when launching their latest. BMW has proved adept at exploiting this 'retro' trend, commencing in 1996 with the Z3 coupé and convertible, the styling of which brilliantly recalled its fabulous '328' sports car of pre-war days. Its next effort along similar lines - the 'Z07' concept car of 1997 - took its inspiration from the post-war Alfred Goetz-designed '507', a luxurious limited-edition roadster.

The sensation of the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show, the Z07 was received so enthusiastically that BMW decided to proceed with a production version: the Z8. For the most part the Z8 remained remarkably faithful to the original concept, retaining 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.

The Z8's body panelling and bespoke spaceframe chassis were fabricated in lightweight and corrosion resistant aluminium, while the 32-valve 4,941cc V8 engine, shared with the M5 saloon, was built by BMW's Motorsport division. With 400bhp on tap, the Z8 raced to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.7 seconds and only the built-in rev limiter stopped it from exceeding 250km/h (155mph). It was rumoured that 290km/h (180mph) was achievable with the restrictor removed...

Power reached the run-flat tyres via a Getrag six-speed manual gearbox. Needless to say, the Z8 also came with all the modern appurtenances one would expect of 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 hood all being included in the package.

The fact that the Z8 was a low-volume model assembled, for the most part, by hand, enabled BMW to offer customers considerable freedom in personalising their cars. Further enhancing its appeal to collectors, the factory announced that a 50-year stockpile of Z8 parts would be maintained. Despite a (US) launch price of over $128,000, initial demand was so high that a bidding war broke out, with many Z8s selling for well in excess of that figure. By the time production ceased in 2003, 5,703 of these fabulous cars had been built.

Manufactured on 19th February 2001 and Belgian delivered new, this two-owner car comes with its original hardtop, service book, instruction books, and a third party condition report from 2011 when the odometer reading was approximately the same as today. A Car-Pass certificate from 2011 is on file, suggesting that the odometer reading was correct up until March 2011 when the current owner purchased the car, which has been garaged and only used sparingly.

Finished in Titanium Silver with black convertible roof and matching leather-trimmed interior, the car features a body-coloured upper dashboard and seat bases, and aluminium-effect accents. The car rides on the correct 18" spoked alloy wheels. The vendor describes the condition overall as excellent, with only light signs of wear visible, as one would expect of a car this age.

This BMW Z8 is a highly sought-after convertible cruiser, finished in a timeless factory colour combination. This two-owner Belgian-market example has a solid history and is certain to appeal to collectors. Garaged for several years and used only sparingly since 2011, this modern classic comes to the sale freshly serviced and ready to be enjoyed on spirited drives or long-distance tours.