•Sold new to tuning specialist Tommykaira in Japan
•Imported to UK in 1998
•Recommissioned by Z1 specialist in 2017-18
•Original colour of Traum-Schwarz, with bespoke trim

With only 8000 being built, and most of those being sold new in Germany, any BMW Z1 is a rare car in the UK, but this car has a particularly fascinating history.

It was originally delivered to Japanese tuning specialist Tommykaira. The Kyoto-based company was the official Hartge agent for Japan, and it’s thought that it carried out at least a partial Hartge upgrade on this Z1.

These modifications were available as a complete package or as individual elements, and included the option of an engine upgrade that lengthened the stroke, increasing capacity to 2693cc. Along with a higher compression ratio and changes to the Bosch Motronic management system, that helped to boost power from 170bhp to 205bhp.

Owners could also specify larger wheels and tyres, bigger front brake discs, a different final-drive ratio and sports suspension as part of the Hartge upgrades.

This Z1 was sold in 1997 by a Kyoto-based specialist to Yosuke Yamamoto, and he brought it with him when he moved to the UK the following year. Shortly afterwards, Yamamoto went right through the car, retrimming the interior in grey leather and red nubuck, overhauling the running gear, replacing the soft-top, and repainting the front bumper.

He sold the Z1 when he returned to Japan in 2009, by which time the car still had less than 50,000km on the clock. It stayed in the UK and in 2013 was sold to a BMW enthusiast who stored it for three years, before deciding to have it recommissioned by Z1 specialist Ivor Dadswell.

What started out as some light work turned into a 12-month process, during which Dadswell went right through the car. Most body panels were removed, along with the seats and most of the trim, and the red nubuck was renewed. All wheelarch liners were replaced, the mechanism for the famous door actuation was overhauled, and the owner managed to source an original set of Hartge alloys, which were refurbished and fitted to the car.

The Z1 was subsequently dyno’d at 176bhp, which certainly suggests that it received at least some Hartge engine upgrades, given that the standard power output when new was only 170bhp.

This stylish, distinctive roadster has been used sparingly over the past few years, and fastidiously maintained along the way. It was given a full service in July 2024, which included four-wheel alignment, and is now being offered for sale as a rare example of one of BMW’s most memorable modern classics.