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1991 BMW Z1
A
perfect blend of aesthetic design and innovative technology, the Z1 is an automotive phenomenon, a concept car that actually made it into production. This sensational roadster, best known for its drop-down doors, looks as fresh and exciting today as it did when making its first appearance at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show.
With the exception of the clever Z-axle rear suspension developed for the E36 3-Series, much of the Z1’s running gear was lifted straight from the E30 325. However, design and construction techniques were considerably more radical. At its core is a galvanised steel chassis with a composite-fibre sandwich floorpan to increase rigidity. The monocoque backbone is then covered with non load-bearing plastic panels all of which gives substantial credence to Munich’s brochure claim that the Z1 is “built rust-free for eternity”.
This car was one of 75 officially imported UK Z1’s out of a total production run of 8000. Rydale used the car for display and exhibition purposes and when they sold it 6 months later, it had only 47 miles on the clock.
It was purchased from Rydale by a Mr. G on 3rd June 1991. Mr. G kept the car for just under 12 months and then sold the car when it had covered approximately 1400 miles to a Mr. S on 28 May 1992. Mr. S kept the car until September 1993 (16 months) and covered approximately 5000 miles during this period. Finally, a Mr. C purchased the car on 30th September 1993 from Cooper Bishopsgate for £25,500. At this point, the car had covered 6363 miles. Mr. C kept the car for the next 15 years until we purchased it from Bramley on 20th February 2008 with 17,850 miles on the clock.
We have every MOT from its first in January 1994 to date.
Performance is brisk but fails to challenge the hugely talented chassis…just think Scalextric! And just in case you’re wondering the Z stands for Zukunft mean meaning ‘Future’ and not as you may have thought for the role the Z1 played in pioneering the Z-axle rear end.
This pristine Z1 car was first registered to Rydale BMW, Oldbury on 4th January 1991. The dealership is still at the same location in Oldbury but is now owned by Sytner.
