Bring a Trailer Auction Preview: 17,500 mile example with desirable two-tone interior. Longtime California car, complete with hard top, tools, and safety kit.2001 BMW Z8 RoadsterVIN WBAEJ13401AH60304Titanium Silver Metallic with Red and Black Nappa LeatherIn 1997, BMW released the Z07 styling study penned by Henrik Fisker (later to become head of design at Aston Martin). The Z07 concept was heavily inspired by the legendary 507 and was never intended for production, but rather as a statement of brand heritage. However, customer reaction was so strong that BMW reconsidered their position and announced the production version of the Z8 for limited production. Offered in roadster configuration only from 2000 to 2003, the production Z8 differed slightly from the concept Z07, carefully retaining the themes and details while offering a refined production car. The Z8 featured a long hood and short deck, placing occupants nearly at the rear axle. The small doors, curvaceous fenders, low-slung stance, and the detailing evoked a retro feel, yet the car was also thoroughly modern. All Z8s came with removable hard tops, unique keys, an embossed tool roll (a vintage touch), and a color-matched dashboard with centrally placed instruments.Mechanically, the Z8 featured state of the art technology including a chassis formed using modern aluminum stampings, employing many lightweight castings, and formed aluminum components including independent suspension. The M5’sS62 4.9-liter quad-cam V8 engine delivered 400hp, mounted well behind the front axle for optimal weight distribution, and placed in a car weighing 500 pounds less than the M5. Built with a host of modern conveniences and safety features, from heated seats to side airbags, traction control, and anti-lock brakes, the gorgeous Z8 offered astonishing high-performance, yielding .92g of lateral acceleration, and posting a 4.2 second 0-60 time. Car and Driver’s tests returned performance figures that bested those delivered by the contemporary Ferrari 360. In all, just 2,382 examples were sold in the United States. The Z8 never had a successor and this, coupled with the car’s intrinsic attributes, has ensured its classic status even today. Values have increased appreciably, and the combination of modern technology and premium performance coupled with quintessential classic car packaging, including manual transmission, has ensured that the Z8 remains among the finest and best classic sports cars available today. This particularly stunning example has travelled roughly 17,500 miles since being purchased new in Mountain View, California in 2001. Delivered with air-conditioning, 6 speed manual, 4 wheel disc brakes, power telescoping steering wheel, power seat and one-touch power windows, BMW Multi-Information radio, hardtop, and 18 inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, this car has been exceptionally well-maintained since new. The original owner serviced the car regularly, with no accidents reported on the recent Carfax. In July 2017, the car was comprehensively serviced at BMW, Mountain View including a complete vehicle inspection, a new BMW battery, two new gas struts for the trunk, brake fluid service, and an oil change. Four new Pirelli Cinturato tires were also mounted and balanced, and a four-wheel alignment performed. The second owner purchased this car from Fantasy Junction in late 2017 and has put very few miles on it during his ownership. Today, the beautiful all-aluminum body features original Titanium Silver Metallic paint with excellent overall finish and glossy luster reflected in the factory applied paint. The factory wheels are in excellent condition showing no curb rash or marks aside from a small area on the right rear wheel. The glass, lenses, and emblems are all in as new condition, as are the beautifully finished chrome details throughout the exterior of the car. Every aspect of the car has been dutifully maintained and carefully preserved by the previous and current owners who were both dedicated to maintaining the utmost originality.The interior is an artful translation of the original 507 featuring handsome brushed aluminum and chrome finishes, rare supple red and black leather seats, sculpted doors (also color matched), and assorted trim. Having now become among the most desirable collectable color combinations, the red/black interior is an excellent visual treat contrasted against the iconic silver exterior. The center console is accented by a clean array of switches and purposeful controls, while the fluid dashboard features gorgeous instruments with excellent color and lighting, with all features and systems functioning as expected. The digital instruments all illuminate properly when the key is engaged, however the tens and tenths of the odometer reading are obscured by an internal LCD blurring, which was common on BMWs of this period. The steering wheel, itself inspired by the original 507 design, is in excellent condition showing very mild use. The carpet and floor mats are in excellent condition, showing only minor use to the driver’s side floor mat and very light marks on the door sill entry. The hardtop is in excellent condition with just a few minor nicks visible when viewed up close. The black canvas convertible top is in excellent shape overall, with no appreciable wear or aging to the inner liner or exterior other than mild fogging to the rear window, often found on even low mile Z8s. The trunk compartment has been beautifully preserved, showing little evidence of use to the excellent trunk liner and carpeting.Under the hood, this immaculate Z8 continues to impress with originality and excellent detailing. The engine and all components retain their correct factory finishes, factory stampings, correct labels, and correct factory markings. All formed engine, air cleaner, and air-management boxes, ducting, and aerodynamic panels remain in excellent condition. Underneath the car, the chassis, exhaust, and suspension component condition support the low miles and moderate climate use. Finishes are showing modest signs of use, but consistent with the miles including factory formed heat shielding properly in place.The car starts, drives, and handles as one might expect from a properly maintained, two owner, low mileage car. The combination of excellent ride and comfort is a hallmark of these exceptionally well-engineered cars. The rapid acceleration, superb handling, and fantastic highway cruising composure reflect everything that BMW strives for in their flagship vehicles including vintage elegance coupled with a distinctly modern drivetrain. Truly the Z8 conveys the soul of a classic nestled into the capable package of a contemporary car.The car comes with a hardtop and top tool, complete tool kit and tool roll, first aid kit, Z8 license plate frame, a correct factory key (engraved with Z8 logo), embossed key fob pouch, and a spare key. BMW dealer service receipts accompany this handsome Z8, along with a complete set of original BMW owner’s manuals, service and warranty manuals, all in an embossed leather case. An extra set of red floor mats, still unused and wrapped in plastic, is also included with the car, as are the factory tonneau cover and wind deflector.Surely to be coveted for decades to come, this exceptional BMW Z8 offers the next owner an exciting opportunity to own a lovely two-owner rare silver with red/black leather interior example that has been rightfully cherished since new. The legendary, and now multi-million-dollar 507 is beautifully captured in this modern, bespoke vehicle of unprecedented performance and style. Built in limited numbers, and never to be built again, this Z8 delivers on the promise of exceptional open motoring with charming vintage flavor and delightful sporting elegance.