1st Oct, 2010 14:20
The Pavilion Gardens
1990 BMW Z1
Estimated at £16,000 - £18,000
Lot details
Registration No: G806PWU
Chassis No: WBABA91060AL
Mot Expiry: May 2011
Founded on January 1st 1985 as a R&D think-tank free from commercial pressures, BMW Technology GmbH was tasked with developing technologies that challenged the accepted basics of automotive design. Headed by Ulrich Bez, the new subsidiary's first challenge was to create a car that encapsulated 'Freedom on Four Wheels'. The resultant embryonic Z1 was never intended to go beyond the concept stage. However, the intervention of BMW-AG chairman Eberhard von Kuenheim saw it green-lit for production. Introduced at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show, the two-seater caused a furore. Built around a galvanised steel chassis with fully detachable composite resin body panels and an airflow-channelling bonded floor, it boasted far greater torsional rigidity than its Z3 successor. Always intended as a LHD only, low volume model (just 8000 were produced, between 1989 and 1993), the Z1 showcased the unique multi-link Z-axle rear suspension set-up that later appeared on the third-generation 3-series but borrowed its front suspension (albeit with a wider track), 2496cc straight-six engine (170bhp / 164lbft) and Getrag 260-5 gearbox from the contemporary 325i. Lauded by the press for its excellent handling and roadholding, the BMW was reputedly capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds and on to 140mph. A tell-tale reminder from its 'Freedom' project days, the Z1's electrically powered doors could be made to drop down inside the 'sills' even while on the move - an optical effect heightened if you start with the windows up, as they drop down in double time...
This particular example was produced on 16th May 1990 and is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, five-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Stated to have had only "two owners", the two-seater is further understood to have covered just 79,200km (circa 49,400 miles) from new. Treated to a full body respray in its original Traumschwarz-metallic ('Black Dream') hue by Scothall BMW during 2001, the Z1 is also said to retain its original grey leather upholstery - which is more pleasing to contemporary eyes than some of the wilder options which were available twenty years ago. Riding on correct type alloy wheels, this stylish modern classic is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until May 2011.
Registration No: G806PWU
Chassis No: WBABA91060AL
Mot Expiry: May 2011
Founded on January 1st 1985 as a R&D think-tank free from commercial pressures, BMW Technology GmbH was tasked with developing technologies that challenged the accepted basics of automotive design. Headed by Ulrich Bez, the new subsidiary's first challenge was to create a car that encapsulated 'Freedom on Four Wheels'. The resultant embryonic Z1 was never intended to go beyond the concept stage. However, the intervention of BMW-AG chairman Eberhard von Kuenheim saw it green-lit for production. Introduced at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show, the two-seater caused a furore. Built around a galvanised steel chassis with fully detachable composite resin body panels and an airflow-channelling bonded floor, it boasted far greater torsional rigidity than its Z3 successor. Always intended as a LHD only, low volume model (just 8000 were produced, between 1989 and 1993), the Z1 showcased the unique multi-link Z-axle rear suspension set-up that later appeared on the third-generation 3-series but borrowed its front suspension (albeit with a wider track), 2496cc straight-six engine (170bhp / 164lbft) and Getrag 260-5 gearbox from the contemporary 325i. Lauded by the press for its excellent handling and roadholding, the BMW was reputedly capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds and on to 140mph. A tell-tale reminder from its 'Freedom' project days, the Z1's electrically powered doors could be made to drop down inside the 'sills' even while on the move - an optical effect heightened if you start with the windows up, as they drop down in double time...
This particular example was produced on 16th May 1990 and is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, five-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Stated to have had only "two owners", the two-seater is further understood to have covered just 79,200km (circa 49,400 miles) from new. Treated to a full body respray in its original Traumschwarz-metallic ('Black Dream') hue by Scothall BMW during 2001, the Z1 is also said to retain its original grey leather upholstery - which is more pleasing to contemporary eyes than some of the wilder options which were available twenty years ago. Riding on correct type alloy wheels, this stylish modern classic is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until May 2011.
Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 1st Oct, 2010
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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