• One of 555 Alpina Z8s produced during the 2003 model year
• Odometer shows just under 10,000 km from new
• Finished in Titanium Silver over a red Nappa leather interior
• U.S. delivery example with clean CARFAX and most recent service records included
• Equipped with the original BMW factory cell phone

BMW’s Z07 concept, the precursor to the Z8 roaster was undoubtedly the star of the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show. A nostalgic tribute to the legendary 507 roadster and an icon of the BMW brand, the Z07 came at a time when retro was back in fashion in the automobile industry. Not only the Japanese crowds, but the world was stunned when BMW pulled back the covers on its two-seat sports car. Designers Chris Bangle and Henrik Fisker penned a worth tribute to its ancestor, the 507. The car made a second appearance in Detroit in January 1998 prior to making its production debut as the Z8 at the 1999 Frankfurt Auto Show. To the joy of the media and more importantly, to the buying public, the Z8 was remarkably similar to the concept.

Despite the nostalgia, underneath is a very sophisticated, modern BMW. Aluminum space frame construction with aluminum body panels; xenon headlamps; four-wheel independent suspension, including a sophisticated five-link set-up at the rear; power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (shared with BMW’s V-12 750i); power-assisted rack and pinion steering, ASC+T traction control; front and side air bags; and a stout four-cam V-8 engine with BMW’s double VANOS variable valve timing mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Nearly every comfort and convenience option is included ranging from an electrically adjustable steering column; satellite navigation; air conditioning; six-way electrically adjustable sport seats; and a ten-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system with six-disc CD changer. Cleverly, the rear bumper concealed antennas for the radio and telephone. BMW built just 5,702 units over the production run.

With the end of Z8 production in November 2002, the final Alpina Z8 models were built for 2003. Placing an emphasis on grand touring, all Alpina Z8s, dubbed the ‘Alpina Roadster V8’, were equipped with a five-speed BMW Steptronic automatic transmission mated to an Alpina-tuned BMW M62 4.8-litre V-8 engine. The Alpinas featured a softer suspension setting than standard Z8’s, along with conventional tires on unique 20-inch Alpina wheels in lieu of the Z8’s run flat radials on 18-inch rims. Interiors included a more supple Nappa leather, special Alpina gauges, an Alpina three-spoke steering wheel, and an Alpina-specific display for gear selection mounted in front of the steering wheel.

Finished in Titanium Silver over a red leather interior, this Alpina Roadster V8 is one of 555 produced. Including this car, 450 were exported to the United States, marking the first time that an Alpina vehicle was sold directly through BMW dealerships. First delivered to California, the vehicle was purchased by the consignor and exported to Italy in 2007. It remains in Italy today and has traveled just under 10,000 km since new. A clean CARFAX along with the most recent service records are included. Of note, the vehicle is equipped with the original BMW-supplied factory cell phone. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa21.