Last Chance to Get a Hardtop BMW Z1 – Don’t Miss Your Opportunity!

Rare Z1 with Aftermarket Hardtop and Only 65 Miles Could Fetch $160,000 at Auction

The BMW Z1 stands out among the brand’s lineup, with a unique appearance that sets it apart from any other model produced before or after its debut in 1987. An opportunity to acquire an immaculate version with only 65 miles (104 kilometers) on its odometer has now arisen. This special vehicle also includes a scarce hardtop added by a third-party. Artcurial auction house is estimating a selling price of $108,442 to $162,663 for this car at their upcoming event in France on February 2.

The Z1 made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and went into production in autumn 1988. Serving as the brand’s first two-seater sports car since the 1950s 507, its unveiling was highly anticipated. The design team took a daring approach when presented with the opportunity to create a new roadster. The sleek body lines were unlike any other BMW on the market. Additionally, the car boasted composite exterior panels and innovative retractable doors that folded downwards into the body. Its framework was built on a zinc-plated steel monocoque chassis.

The elevated side panels and folding doors enabled passengers to lower them while on the road, providing a heightened sense of open-air driving. Few convertibles can match this level of connectivity with the environment, although the Caterham Seven and Ariel Atom come close.

The BMW Z1 utilized the 2.5-liter inline-six engine from the E30-generation 325i, producing a respectable 168 horsepower. The accompanying five-speed manual transmission was also sourced from the 3 Series. To enhance handling and performance, BMW created a unique multi-link rear suspension system known as the “Z-axle.” This innovative design proved to be versatile enough for use in other models such as the E36 3 Series and Rover 75.

The rooftop accompanying the Z1 model is exceptionally uncommon. As per the enthusiast website bmwz1.co.uk, Wiesmann Auto Sport created approximately 500 of these hardtops. They were equipped with a heated back window and could be customized with either leather or suede interior detailing.

The production of BMW’s Z1 came to a close in June 1991, with a total of 8,000 units manufactured. The brand’s follow-up roadster, the Z3, debuted in 1995 with a more traditional design.

Although the BMW Z1 is a relatively recent addition to the automobile world, it has now reached an age where Americans can legally import it into the United States under the 25-year rule. This rule permits individuals to bring in vintage cars from other countries. In fact, an average Z1 in good condition is valued at $61,400 by Hagerty Insurance in the US. However, due to its low mileage and additional hardtop, this particular model is expected to fetch a significantly higher price.

Sources: Artcurial, Auto Motor Und Sport