It would be easy to associate the BMW Z8 with other retro-revival cars of the 1990s and early 2000s, but that would hardly be the case. BMW had already honoured its past with the sporty Z3 roadster, after all. So, the Z8 instead married the muscular V-8 engine from BMW’s Motorsports division with the considerable design talent of lead exterior pen Henrik Fisker. This was to be the company’s halo car and would boldly launch BMW into the 21st century.
The Z8, nearly identical to the Z07 show car from the 1997 Tokyo salon, was unlike any BMW since the M1. Its styling evoked the BMW 507—the design icon that so nearly bankrupted the fledgling automaker in the 1950s. Under its sumptuous curves sat an M5-sourced S62 4.9-liter V-8 paired to a six-speed manual transmission. The Z8 had the power to back up its stunning styling.
About 5,700 examples were hand-built in Munich over a three-year run, after the Z8 made its silver screen debut in the 1999 James Bond blockbuster The World is Not Enough. Following the Z3’s role in Goldeneye, the Z8 starred in a short but memorable scene with Mr Bond behind the wheel. Nevertheless, it captivated fans worldwide and proved that BMW was a force to be reckoned with.
The Z8 offered here is a U.S.-delivery example that was first registered in California and remained stateside with its original owner until 2012. It was then converted to European specification and exported to the UK. Notably, its original specification parts will be included with the sale and the car can be converted back if so desired by its next owner. Furthermore, the car shows just 7,000 miles since new and also includes its original factory hardtop.
Truly one of the most recognizable BMWs of the 21st century, the Z8 is nothing short of an icon and deserves to be treated as such. Suitable enough for James Bond, the Z8 is an excellent grand tourer and sports car, one that begs to be enjoyed on the open road.


