BMW shocked the world as the Z8 was revealed at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. Featuring a flawless design from Henrik Fisker, the all-new Z8 was a masterful blend of classic open-top motoring and high-tech engineering that well outpaced its rivals of the 1990s. While clearly paying homage to the iconic BMW 507 design with its high wing vents, tapered front end, and sprung spoke-type steering wheel, the Z8 quickly established an identity of its own. Not long after entering production, the Z8 became a cultural icon as James Bond’s car in the 1999 film The World is Not Enough.

Like its spiritual predecessor, the Z8’s performance fully matched its striking styling. Headlining the car’s stat sheet is BMW’s brutish 4.9-litre, all-aluminium V-8 engine producing 395 horsepower. A unique semi-dry sump, G-sensitive engine lubrication system is deployed to ensure correct oil circulation, and 45-degree cylinders assure sufficient oil flow out of the heads. Electronically actuated throttle bodies at each cylinder can be controlled by selecting either “Normal” or “Sport” throttle response settings.

It is believed that just 319 Z8s were finished in BMW’s Topaz Blue and of those, only 138 examples were equipped with a Cream leather interior. This particular example was delivered new to the United Arab Emirates, and it has remained there since. The BMW remained with its first owner until 2011, when it was purchased by the consigning owner. The accompanying history file retains selected service invoices in addition to its original owner’s manuals and service book. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer read 48,123 kilometres and the Z8 is offered with a colour-matching hard-top.

So much more than a tribute to a stunning vintage BMW design, the Z8 is now recognised as a modern classic in its own right. This attractive example would surely be a thrill to drive and enjoy.