OVERVIEW

Offered for sale on SBX Cars is this 2002 BMW Z8, finished in Jet Black over a Soft Leather Sport Red interior, and showing just 15,016 miles (~24,166 kilometers) from new.

MODEL HISTORY

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 1990s, BMW was already enjoying an enviable level of both critical and commercial success. Sales were at an all-time high, and their coupés, 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.

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 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 V8s, and also marked the first time a non-M product utilized one of their powerplants.

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 weighed some 500 pounds (227 kilograms) less than the sedan it was originally designed for. Most reviewers noted that it was more of a GT than an all-out sports car in execution, but combining a serene and beautiful interior environment with effortless rapid pace is always a great thing.

THIS 2002 BMW Z8

This 2002 BMW Z8 is a one-owner example, originally shipped from Germany to Dick Horrigan BMW in Reading, Pennsylvania. With its odometer showing just 15,016 miles, it was specced from factory in the rare and dramatic color combination of Jet Black over a Soft Leather Sport Red interior, with a black fabric convertible top and a color-matched removable original equipment hardtop. It’s one of only 342 Z8 models made in this color scheme.

Inside the streamlined and spage-age designed cabin, the Z8 boasts an Anthracite headliner, powered seats, brushed aluminum and polished steel accents, a push button starter, and a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system with a six-disc CD changer.

It is powered by BMW’s S62, a 4.9-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine that produces 395 horsepower, running power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission that can go from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 4.5 seconds. The Z8 has four-wheel disc brakes, ABS independent front suspension, and MacPherson Struts independent rear suspension. The body includes Xenon headlights and five-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

MECHANICAL

The sale of this vehicle is backed by a comprehensive history file showing the Z8 having been serviced at regular intervals by Dick Horrigan BMW of Reading, PA. Routine maintenance included oil and filter changes, ABS fluids flushes and changes, emissions or safety inspections being performed, as well as service items replacements including brake rotors.

Other notable replacements include window regulators (09/15/2006), starter motor (10/13/2014), and battery (05/27/2017). At the same time as the latter, the vehicle had two new tires mounted and balanced.

The Z8 was most recently serviced by Black Horse Garage in Bridgeport, CT, during which time a fuel analyzer test was undertaken. The results of the test, included in the gallery of images of this vehicle, demonstrate the vehicle’s “top notch engine performance and efficiency”.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE SALE

This Z8 is offered for sale with its original window sticker, BMW manual, complete BMW tool roll, and unused BMW medical kit. Also supplied is a factory stand for the vehicle’s OEM color-matched removable hardtop.

SUMMARY

Anybody in the market for a Z8 will be hard pressed to find a better example than this as, by averaging only 683 miles a year, it’s one of the freshest examples available in the world.

For full details, please see listing at sbxcars.com