BMW’s Z8 was offered with five standard colors: Titanium Silver, Black, Topaz Blue, Bright Red, and Stratus Grey. Bright Red was undoubtably the most eye-catching shade and is amongst the rarest, representing approximately 5% of Z8 production. Of the 291 examples finished in red, only 62 would have interiors trimmed in Crema leather, such as the example presented here.

Despite being delivered new to the United States, interestingly enough this Z8 would return across the Atlantic early in its life, being exported from New Jersey to France in 2001. However, the car would return to the U.S. just two years later, and was shortly thereafter acquired by a renowned collector, the late Orin Smith, and shipped to his home in Florida. Showing 1,846 miles from new as of April 2003, in Smith’s care the car was well-preserved alongside a truly amazing assortment of cars, including his famed “Honeymoon Express” Rolls-Royce Drophead, a Lancia Astura Cabriolet, and a Fiat 8V Supersonic. With such a vast assortment of vehicles in his collection, it comes as no surprise that this Z8 was driven sparingly during his long-term ownership. Maintained by his in-house mechanic, the car had recorded just 3,798 miles from new upon being sold from his estate by RM Sotheby’s in 2017.

Sold to another collector, the Z8 moved to the Pacific Northwest and the car remained on the west coast for a number of years before being acquired by the consignor and returned to Florida. Today, the Z8 remains exceptionally well preserved, having covered very little mileage since being sold from Orin Smith’s collection, showing just 3,812 miles on its odometer at the time of cataloging. It is accompanied by its original window sticker, factory-fitted hardtop, as well as its original owner’s manuals, BMW battery tender, an unused BMW car phone still in its original box, as well as some previous service records. A complete list of accompanying accessories can be found in the car’s history file.

Undoubtably one of the most exciting and unique BMW’s ever built, the Z8 followed proudly in the footsteps of the 507 in showcasing that BMW could simultaneously be in touch with its roots while boldly looking towards the future. Now a quarter century since its introduction, the Z8 has emerged into a modern classic in its own right, and is a must-have addition to any collection of BMWs or ‘youngtimer’ classics. This example’s low mileage and rare color scheme make it stand out from the pack as a truly extraordinary example of its kind.