Chassis No. WBAEJ13452AH61921

Inspired by the timeless Albrecht von Goertz-designed 507 of 1956, BMW's Z8 model of some four decades later represented both a worthy successor to its illustrious forebear and arguably the pinnacle of late 1990s retro-inspired car design. Featuring a bespoke aluminum chassis clad in a svelte two-seat roadster body of similar material, the Z8 was powered by the same 4.9-liter V8 engine as the contemporary E39 M5; a unit appropriately sharing the same basic architecture as its 1950s counterpart, albeit with almost two litres additional cubic capacity.

The M5 powerplant afforded generous power and torque figures of 395 horsepower and 369 lb-ft respectively which - allied to the Z8's comparatively modest weight of 3,494 lbs - enabled it to accelerate from rest to 60 mph in just over four seconds, en route to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. Near perfect weight distribution and an ultra-stiff stressed skin chassis ensured that the car's dynamic capabilities matched expectations; Car and Driver magazine noting that the car enjoyed superior acceleration, braking and handling to the hitherto class-leading Ferrari 360 Modena.

Styling of the car was entrusted to highly rated Danish designer Henrik Fisker, who had previously been involved with the design of the original E30 M3 and the Z8's immediate predecessor, the Z07 concept car. Historic references and deft design touches abounded on his new charge; the car's heavily sculpted body color dashboard and BMW-badged front fender vents being but two areas noticeably redolent of the 507.

This beautifully presented example was purchased new by Bill Fleischman in May 2003 and has covered just under 9,350 miles since, of which less than 1,500 have been accumulated in the last decade. Its window sticker documents that it is a California delivery example sold new at Santa Monica BMW, and it has the rare distinction of being finished in the uncommon original color scheme of Stratus Metallic over soft Crema (cream) leather with a beige soft top. The BMW Z8 Registry notes that only 196 Z8s were delivered in Stratus Grey and of these only 46 featured the full Crema interior. The Fleischman Collection's Z8 was noted upon inspection to retain factory VIN stickers throughout as a testament to its high degree of overall originality, and is further enhanced by a matching detachable hardtop, offering all-weather motoring enjoyment.

Regularly serviced throughout its life at Beverly Hills BMW, this well maintained and highly original Z8 is a particularly attractive example of BMW's flagship model of the 2000s. Accompanied by its original factory service and warranty information - still contained in the correct Z8-branded leatherette pouch - there can be few, if any, more correct examples of this latter-day classic currently available.