• Offered from The Carrera Collection
• Believed to be one of just 141 BMW Z1s finished in Fungelb; just 31 of which featured a matching Gelb interior
• Delivered new to Italy; in current ownership for over 10 years
• Odometer shows just 17,891 kilometres
• Accompanied by a car cover, first aid kit, selected manuals including a stamped service book, and toolkit

When viewed alongside its contemporary peers, the BMW Z1 found itself in fine company. Among the Bavarian manufacturer’s 1980s product line-up were first incarnations of the M3 and M5, supporting a stellar performance car portfolio underpinned by many of BMW’s greatest models. Striving to lead the market in classes represented by its 3, 5, and 7 Series saloons, the manufacturer lacked one weapon in its arsenal—an out-and-out roadster. As a result, the “Z” product line was born, led by the Z1.

BMW’s take on its new roadster was as bold as it was innovative, with trademark disappearing vertical sliding doors distinguishing the Z1 from all other convertibles of the era. At a stroke the Z1 could transform from neat barchetta to beach-ready cruiser. It was clever, too, with thermoplastic removable body panels; BMW claimed that the entire body could be swapped over in the space of 40 minutes. Pop-up headlamps maintained the smooth profile at the front of the car, which featured prominently the brand’s instantly recognisable signature “kidney” grille. At its heart lay the 168 horsepower 2.5-litre straight-six engine and five-speed gearbox from the E30-era 325i, which in the lithe and lightweight Z1 made for a truly exhilarating driving experience—particularly when the doors were lowered. It was claimed that the Z1 could corner with 1G of force on standard tyres—allegedly the first production car to do so.

The example offered here was completed by the factory on 15 January 1990, finished in the distinctive colour of Fungelb. It is believed to be one of just 141 Z1s to wear the striking shade of yellow, and one of just 31 cars finished in Fungelb to feature a matching Gelb interior. The Z1 was delivered new to the BMW dealership, Autorama s.r.l. of Arezzo, Italy. Its first owner is understood to have kept the car until May 2007, when it was bought by its second keeper and registered in Brescia. Its second Italian owner kept the BMW until May 2012, when it was acquired by the consignor, domiciled in Germany.

On taking delivery of the car, the consigning owner commissioned KFZ-Technik Franz Schaffer to perform a service. The car is accompanies by a stamped service book showing the last service was performed in March 2021. The odometer reads just 17,891 kilometres at the time of cataloguing and the Z1 is offered for sale with a car cover, first aid kit, selected BMW manuals, and toolkit.

In current ownership for over 10 years, finished in a rare and interesting colour combination, and with minimal usage over its 33 years, this Z1 would be a fun and exciting addition to any collection.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/c223.