The BMW Z8 was the premiere product from a special time in the history of BMW. As successful as they were, it had been a long time since they had produced anything as unique as this V8 convertible. After decades of refining shapes for aerodynamic efficiency, the market was clearly ready for less strictly aerodynamic and functional shapes, and rewarded the companies that leaned into classic designs evoking their past. The results were as diverse as the companies themselves - the Plymouth Prowler imitating old SoCal hot rods, VW's New Beetle trying recapturing the moment that the company established itself with the original version, and retro styled trucks like Chevrolet’s SSR - a two-seat pickup truck with an electric hardtop, featuring a unique blend of old and new styling cues.

BMW took a more direct approach. In the 1990’s, BMW was already enjoying an enviable level of both critical and commercial success. Sales were at an all time high, and their coupes, sedans and wagons were either the best in class or near enough to it - and always considered the best drivers cars, even when they weren’t the vaunted M Performance variants.

So when BMW went to produce an exclusive retro-themed car, they took inspiration from their own late 1950’s BMW 507. From a sales perspective, the 507 was never a huge hit, but the styling was always lauded, and began work on the Z07 Concept that drew directly from that 507 shape.

But for the Z8, the 507 was the loose basis for what notable designer Henrik Fisker designed for the Z8, with clear hereditary cues blended with modern lighting shapes and integration. For the interior, BMW turned to Scott Lempert, who went for a very, retro-stark approach. Oversized switches were employed, though minimally applied, along with center-mounted gauges canted towards the driver, which kept the interior very retro-feeling while including all of the modern electronic comfort features.

For motivation, BMW picked what was arguably one of the best motors they had ever made - the incredible S62 V8 that they borrowed from the E39 generation M5 sedan. A high revving 4.9 liter V8 with 395 horsepower, it was more powerful and characterful than the standard corporate V8’s, and also marked the first time a non-M product utilized one of their powerplants.

Up for auction now is a 2000 BMW Z8 convertible. It has a chalk vinyl wrap over a black leather interior, with a black fabric convertible top, and a color-matched removable original equipment hardtop. It is powered by BMW’s S62, a 4.9 liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine that produces 395 hp, running power to the rear wheel through a six-speed manual transmission. This is an EU specification model, originally delivered to the first owner in Barcelona, Spain, then delivered to its second owner in Germany in 2003, and has covered 26,900 km (about 16,715 mi).

This Z8 is in original factory specification, with the addition of the Alpina alloy wheels being the sole exception. It comes with well documented ownership and service history, with the original service book maintained and up to date, and inspection invoices from 2011 to 2021 that totaled €20.000.

Equipment included in the sale are the OEM color matched removable hardtop, fitted cover, removable wind deflector, and the integrated Motorola cell phone (non-functioning, as an analog service based phone).

Contemporary reviews of the Z8 were effusive with praise. Car and Driver pronounced it an instant classic, raving about the design details and the effortless power of the V8, made all the better by being in a convertible that weighted some 500 pounds less than the sedan it was originally designed for. Most reviewers noted that it was more of a GT than all-out sports car in execution, but combining a serene (and beautiful) interior environment with effortless rapid pace is always a great thing.

The Z8 made its mark, and anybody in the market for one would be hard pressed to find a better example. The documentation is thorough, and by averaging only 1,120 kilometers a year, it’s one of the freshest examples available in the world.

For full details, please see listing at sbxcars.com