A concept cars popularity spurred BMW's decision to produce a limited production model called the Z8. In May 2000, Car & Driver magazine enthused: “That this new car, the Z8, is scorchingly fast comes as no surprise. It employs the potent 400-hp M5 powertrain, which endows the M5 sedan with the acceleration of a Corvette. Weighing about 500 pounds less than the two-ton M5, the Z8's performance is beyond question.”

When introduced, no one who paid attention to the industry, was surprised by the striking style of the BMW Z8. Based on the Z07 concept car that BMW revealed to the world at the 1997 Tokyo motor show, the Z8 is intended to evoke the famous 507 roadster. Paying homage to the Count Albrecht Goertz-designed 507 of the 1950s with side vents, a sleek front end with the traditional twin-nostril grilles and such retro touches as a banjo-type steering wheel; BMW artfully translated the car’s vintage-type interior touches into the production model. Automotive writers at the time of the Z8’s introduction raved over how much this presentation added to the excitement of driving the car, along with the potent power discovered in the specialty magazine road tests.

In developing the Z8, BMW married form and function like never before. Power came from the 4.9-liter V-8 of the M5, mated to a proper six-speed gearbox. The design was flawless from any angle, inside and out. With 50/50 weight distribution and the acceleration of a Ferrari 360 Modena, this was BMW’s fastest roadster to date; a true supercar with brilliant braking and cornering. Motor Trend magazine brought out its true “M” potential, achieving a 0- to 60-mph sprint of just 4.2 seconds, and top speed was reported as 155-mph.

The car would be featured in the newest James Bond movie of the period; The World is Not Enough, as well as being able to take a virtual high-speed run for ourselves in the video-games 007 Racing and James Bond 007: Agent Under Fire.

Of the roughly 5,700 Z8s produced, this example is one of 2,543 units built for the U.S. market and shows less than 11,000 miles from new. Carrying a rare combination of black over an absolutely stunning black and red sport interior which makes it part of a small production of just over 300 vehicles built for the world, with silver the overwhelming choice with around 3,500 cars, per reports.

This American-spec car was delivered new in Pennsylvania as an owner demonstrator for many years. Mr. Wetherill, who owned the car until recently, also owned the BMW dealership where the vehicle was delivered. Service history is well documented annually on the Carfax. Along with the whole-host of luxury conveniences and power options, this exciting German roadster has its original paint and also has “all the extra bits” with the car such as the tonneau boot cover, wind deflector, factory hardtop, medical kit, toolkit, owner’s manual, two keys, window sticker and cup holder.

When made available BMW fully planned on this cars future, with the reported guaranteeing that they will supply parts for at least 50 years. Let the driving fun begin.