Self proclaimed as "Europe’s largest online marketplace for classic and niche vehicles”, Car & Classic is sticking by its claims by auctioning a rare 1991 BMW Z1, the German brand’s first open top sports car since the end of the 507 in 1960. With only 5,800 miles on the clock and owned since new by a BMW dealership in La Spezia, Italy, it’s been kept ticking over until being bought by the car’s current vendor in 2021.

The car was known for its originality and was the first car from BMW’s new ‘Technik’ division, giving it access to new features and technology. Perhaps its most recognised features were the vertically sliding doors, designed to help passengers navigate getting in and out of the car in tight parking spaces.

Despite its popularity after its original unveiling in 1986, it initially wasn’t intended to make it to production. However, BMW reversed that decision a year later and saw 35,000 pre-orders being made. Ultimately, only 8,000 models were ever produced across a three year period, with the slow, hand built production process and popularity of the Mk.1 Madza MX-5 being the contributing factors.

There are some cracks and minor scuffs to the bodywork but overall the Z1 is in good condition. The doors and roof are fully operational and the car comes with the original user manual in Italian, service document and Italian registration along with its toolkit. The 2.5-litre M20 straight-six petrol engine and Getrag five-speed manual gearbox (as found in the E30 325i) work well and provide 168bhp at 5,800rpm, creating a top speed of 140mph and 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds.

Car & Classic’s 1991 BMW Z1 auction is live now and runs until October 8. A past sale on Car & Classic of just under £50k suggests this example may fetch between £50k and £60k.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Car & Classic