For more than 30 years, the Alpina company has produced niche models for BMW. Offering cars for connoisseurs that are expensive, the Alpina designation does not always indicate that the car is more powerful or faster than the standard BMW, but it will ensure that it will be most uncommon.

Primarily built for European customers, the Z8 Alpina targeted the United States to increase not only the number of cars produced, but spread the cost of engineering such fabulous pieces across a greater volume.

Updating the classic 1956 to 1959 BMW 507 to its modern interpretation was one of the targets of the BMW Z8 and this was accomplished brilliantly. The Z8 Alpina became known as the final run of the Z8 with changes in the mechanical specifications of mainly the powertrain. The son of Alpina owner, Andy Bovensiepen, stated that “we regard it as a design masterpiece that should not be touched.”

Powered by a 375 horsepower, 4.8-liter V-8 engine that is paired with a five-speed BMW Steptronic automatic transmission; only 555 Z8 Alpinas were built for worldwide consumption. Of those, this is number 343. It is being offered by the original owner with less than 15,000 original miles and is topped by having the stunning presentation of Fighter Jet Titanium over a red and black interior. Alpina motifs include the seat backs, steering wheel center, door sills, identification badge, instrument faces, engine cover, along with a trunk area exterior emblem.

Along with luxury-oriented performance, the Z8 Alpina is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, airbags, rollover protection hoops, all-speed traction control, removable hardtop, air conditioning, 20-inch factory alloy wheels, AM/FM radio; power steering, brakes, and windows. The owner’s original books and the tool kit are also included.

After experiencing the modifications of the Z8 Alpina, Car and Driver magazine commented that “with its easy-going power delivery and automatic transmission, this is what this car should have been all along.”