30k-Mile 1991 BMW Z1
Bid To $37,250 On 9/30/16$37,250 Ended
Seller: j.mora127
Location: Miami, Florida
Chassis: WBABA91040AL05615
48k Kilometers (~30k Miles)
2.5L Inline-Six
Two Owners
One of 8000
Repainted in Original Green
Recovered Black Leather Seats
Clean Florida Title
Category: German
This 1991 BMW Z1 was sold new to a doctor in Bogota, Colombia and remained there after being purchased in 2010 by the current owner. Recently air-lifted to Florida, this two-owner example has covered just 48k kilometers (~30k miles) with no exposure to snow or road salt, and has received regular maintenance from authorized dealerships. Only 8,000 Z1s were produced between 1989 and 1991, and as the model was never sold directly to North America they are rarely on offer in the US. The futuristic doors and windows drop vertically into the sills and are the hallmark of this BMW 2-seater. The Z1 was priced at the equivalent of $55-$59k USD, and was the first BMW model to incorporate the "Z" designation, taken from zukunft, German for future. The selling dealer is offering this Z1 on behalf of the current owner with a clean Florida title.
The car was repainted at an unknown date and the finish shows well, with consistent shine. This original green was one of six exterior colors offered, and 75% of Z1s were delivered in green, red or black. The side panels and doors were made from GE's Xenoy injection-cast thermoplastic, while the bonnet and boot lid are glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). All panels were mounted to a sub-structure of galvanized pressed steel, from which they could be removed for repair, replacement, or simply to change color. BMW enthused that the body could be completely replaced in 40 minutes, although Z1 owners found this wildly optimistic.
The mechanism behind the Z1's disappearing doors and windows is operated by toothed belts, and the seller notes these have been lubricated and serviced. The windows can be lowered independently of the doors, but retract automatically if the doors are lowered.
The convertible top appears to fit tautly, with no obvious tears, marks, or unusual creases. Top stowage is tidier than on either the Z3 or Z4 that followed.
This original 15″ wheels appear to have no notable marks or abrasions, and are fitted with Yokohama C.drive tires that were replaced 1000 miles ago.
The seats were recovered in black leather approximately 10 years ago, a common change for Z1s as the original upholstery was made of poorly-wearing suede. The steering wheel, dash, and carpets wear original dark green and show limited signs of wear with no obvious rips or tears.
The dash and switchgear are solid, but the seller notes a bit of surface peeling around the speedometer. All Z1s are left-hand drive and provide a heater but no A/C due to limited dash space. The original BMW cassette stereo and speakers remain fitted and are said to be fully functional.
The 2.5L M20B25 inline-six was sourced from the E30 BMW 325i and produced 168 horsepower when new. It is paired to a Getrag (260/5) 5-speed manual transmission. The seller notes a full service was completed 1,000 miles ago, including fresh engine oil and brake fluid, new brake pads, new tires, and a paint detailing. No current mechanical needs are noted, and the car is described as running and driving well. Although no prior service records are available, stickers in the tidy engine bay show dates of services for several prior years.
The underbody is clean and dry with no indication of damage or rust, and almost no surface corrosion. The seams of the chassis were all continuously zinc welded to add stiffness for sharper handling, and aerodynamics were enhanced by a flat under tray with other components engineered to decrease turbulence and rear lift.
The clean trunk provides a good view of the green interior color found throughout. This example also retains the original spare tire, tools, and first aid kit.
High Bid USD $37,250 (Reserve Not Met)
Auction Ended September 30, 2016 at 2:50PM PT