Of all the designs born from the retro styling trend of the late 1990s, few were as effective, and even fewer have held up as well over time, as the BMW Z8. Previewed by the Z07 concept of the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, this nostalgic convertible mined a particularly rich vein of the German automaker’s heritage by paying tribute to the legendary, exclusive 507. The symbiotic design was flawless from any angle, inside and out, with side vents, a sleek front end, and such retro touches as a banjo-type steering wheel all recalling the 507’s oeuvre.

Beneath the Z8’s nostalgic, all-aluminum skin is a very sophisticated, modern BMW underpinned by an aluminum spaceframe and four-wheel independent suspension (including a five-link set-up at the rear). Form and function have been married like never before within a BMW convertible, with power derived from the concurrent M5’s 4.9-liter V-8, mated to a proper six-speed gearbox and producing 395 horsepower.

To boot, nearly every comfort and convenience option was included as standard, including an electrically adjustable steering column, satellite navigation, air conditioning, six-way electrically adjustable sport seats, and a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system with six-disc CD changer.

Every Z8 was built on a special production line within BMW’s Munich facility, largely by hand. Only 5,702 examples were constructed between 1999 and 2003 worldwide.

One of just 229 Z8 chassis finished in the classic color scheme of Jet Black over Crema leather, this example was delivered new to Cutter BMW of Santa Barbara, California in January 2002. A power-operated black convertible soft top deploys at the push of a button, while a matching Jet Black hardtop accompanies the sale in repose upon its factory stand.

This Z8 remained under the care of its original owner until April 2021, when it was thusly acquired by the consignor. Since new, the car’s maintenance entries have been the exclusive purview of the originating dealer and other official BMW dealers in California and Illinois. At some point during previous ownership, a stylish set of 20-inch Alpina Dynamic D01 alloy wheels were fitted to the car and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires, though the original BMW wheels still accompany the sale. Other notable accoutrements include its factory manuals, tools, window sticker, delivery letter and serialized coffee table book, rear window protector, factory car cover, charger, and two keys.

Presented today showing just under 7,430 miles and accompanied by all of its most important factory accoutrements, this Z8 is a pristine example of BMW’s flagship sports car ideal to show, drive, and enjoy.