Vehicle Details
- Year: 1989
- Make: BMW
- Model: Z1
- VIN: WBABA910X0AL00337
- Mileage Shown: 34,132km
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Traumschwarz Metallic
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: Caldwell, NJ 07006
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0047065
Introduced in 1989, the BMW Z1 was the first model created by BMW's newly established Technik division, which was tasked with exploring innovative engineering, development, and low-volume manufacturing. As the inaugural model of the Z-series, named "Z" for Zukunft, meaning "future," the Z1 featured advanced interchangeable plastic composite body panels and unique doors that retracted into the chassis sills. With a limited production run of only 8,000 units, the Z1 was never offered in North America and most examples were sold in Germany. Finished in Traumschwarz Metallic, this rare BMW Z1 is now being offered for auction by its seller out of New Jersey.
This example is finished in Traumschwarz Metallic (278) with factory 15” BMW Style 10 wheels. Designed by Harm Lagaay, who also styled the Porsche Boxster, Cayenne, 996, and Carrera GT, the Z1's innovative design is based on BMW’s renowned E30 chassis. The Z1 is most notable for its unique doors, which retract into the body via electric motors and toothed belts, activated by pressing keyholes located behind each door. Designed as a modular vehicle, the Z1's body panels are made from a thermoplastic composite that can be easily removed from the galvanized pressed steel chassis and replaced using just a screwdriver. Each Z1 was finished with a special flexible lacquer, developed in collaboration between AKZO Coatings and BMW Technik, which prevented cracking even when the panels were flexed. At launch, BMW even suggested that Z1 owners purchase an additional set of body panels to change the car’s color periodically. Aerodynamic efficiency was also a key feature, highlighted by the smooth plastic undertray that extends beneath the car to the rear bumper. Detailed images are provided in the gallery along with a clean CARFAX report.
Inside, a pair of deeply bolstered Recaro sport seats are trimmed in charcoal grey suede with camouflage-printed leather inserts. Charcoal suede also extends the center console, shifter knob, shift boot, and parking brake, while matching carpets line the floors. A color-coordinated leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel frames VDO instrumentation, including a 240-KM/H speedometer, a 7k RPM tachometer, and additional gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. An aftermarket head unit has been fitted.
The Z1 is powered by a 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder M20B25 engine borrowed from the BMW E30 325i, which generates up to 170 HP and 164 lb.-ft of torque stock. The engine lies at a 20-degree angle to accommodate the low hood line. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 5-speed Getrag 250 manual gearbox. The front MacPherson strut suspension was also derived from the E30, although the rear featured a unique “Z-Axle” multi-link arrangement that would go on to be used in future BMW models including the E36 3-series and Z3.
This sale will include a clean title.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $56,000
- Auction End: Aug 08, 2024 07:18:44PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 23
Comments (55)
Thank you to all for an incredible auction - Congratulations to @JLamm - I'm so glad we worked out a deal to this stunning example. We hope to find you all back for our future auctions...
Until next time,
~ P1 Exotics
@Harmag25 it did as shown below! Sorry you missed it; stay in touch and check out our website if you might find any other vehicle or interest. We always have something interesting in store with our inventory moving constantly! Hope to work with you in the near.
~P1Exotics
Sold for $56,000
Bid in the amount of $56,000
@P1Exotics did the car sell? If not I'm interested- missed the bidding
Thank you to all for a fun auction, we weren't quite at the reserve but that being said we will be in touch with the highest bidder shortly!
Until next time,
~ P1Exotics
Also noteworthy, the Z1 was so special the US Government added it to the newly created "Show and Display" list of cars and at that time it was one of the first.....it and the 959 Porsche. It is THAT special of a car.
Bid in the amount of $48,000
Bid in the amount of $47,750
@Seller my pleasure. I was one of the first (second?) to import one of these some 24 years ago and zero desire to sell!
Dude, you’re bidding against yourself LOL
Bid in the amount of $47,500
Bid in the amount of $47,000
Bid in the amount of $46,000
Bid in the amount of $45,000
Bid in the amount of $41,000
Bid in the amount of $40,000
Bid in the amount of $35,000
Bid in the amount of $34,500
Bid in the amount of $34,000
Bid in the amount of $33,000
Bid in the amount of $31,000
10 Minutes left... Bid with confidence & may the best enthusiast win this gorgeous Z1!
~ P1 Exotics
@Valor1 Thank you for the message - definitely agreed, its a unique experience unlike any other and such a blast to drive... I could only hope the next custodian will love it as much as we do!
@mayart Hi there! This Z1 has been originally imported from Canada back in May of 2014. Currently registered with a clean New Jersey title, I do not see why it wouldn't comply with any US emissions. I know California can get picky with EPA regulations but it should be a seamless process registering having this car has been here in the states for over 10 years now. Definitely a question for a California resident or rep that would be more knowledgable of an EU car from 1989!
@seller or anyone else who may know...do these BMWs come with emission components and would they pass california smog and be registered in california?
I've owned a Z8, Z3, Z4 E89 N54 manual, M3 EVO, E30 M3, etc., but the most fun BMW I've ever driven is the Z1. So fun in fact, that it is a car ripe for restomodding as even in its day reviewers noted the chassis was so good it could take more power. Stunning looks and a blast to drive. Totally undervalued cars. (I'm putting an S58 into mine.) Its basically the suspension of the E30 M3 up front and e36/e46 rear suspension (hence the installation of E46 M3 rear suspension. A fun video on the M3 worthy of watching before bidding: https://youtu.be/2LUzJ-7qzEM
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Hi there everyone,
We are so ecstatic nearing the final hours towards this beautiful BMW Z1. Let me say you won't be disappointed when behind the wheel of such a spectacle! As always, here to answer any questions & queries... Best of luck to all bidders, and enjoy the show to all watchers!
~ P1 Exotics Team
Be sure to check out one of our viral videos on social media that was even reposted by BMW's official account regarding our special Z1: https://youtube.com/shorts/oxlQv4xt20k?si=I0fRDpKLA4RITlW4
@Albertnigri Hi there! This Z1 is in great condition aesthetically as the last two collectors who have meticulously owned the car have garage kept it and ensured its optimal condition. From my knowledge and fully transparent, there is one minor slit surfacing on the passenger A-Pillar; luckily being a small piece on the car & realistic as per the age of the vehicle (we showed this in photo 51!) Hopefully this helps answer your question.
Feel free to also take a look of the full overview to the Z1 as well:
Walk-around & Startup - https://youtu.be/ip8caXdatio?si=vuQieLA0KF62I6f4
~ P1Exotics
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Bid in the amount of $22,500
Bid in the amount of $19,000
No cracked panels right ?
Bid in the amount of $16,666
Bid in the amount of $13,000
Bid in the amount of $12,345
Bid in the amount of $10,000
Thank you for your response. I am considering bidding .
@Drdaddio Hi there! This Z1 is in great condition and especially when it comes to functionality being in the hands of a passionate collector. The reasoning behind the engine rebuild at such low mileage was simply due to the previous owner taking every recommendation that meant ensuring the best for their car.
Prior to it first being bought, it sat for years and the idle was rough. It was then taken in by AUTOcouture for a diagnose. That being said, the gaskets and seals had cracked from sitting and so all the work listed in the service records were recommended by their experts. Since then it's been lovingly garage kept and maintained accordingly.
Good afternoon, It seems strange for a bullet proof motor like this one that it has to be rebuilt at such low mileage. Are you absolutely certain mikes are correct? And if so any explanation of why motor had to be rebuilt at such low miles? Thank you
To any other potential bidders, please feel free to ask any further questions in the comments, we will try our upmost best to be timely in responses! We advise anyone who hasn't seen our YouTube videos / overview on this Z1 to check out the links below:
Walk-around & Startup - https://youtu.be/ip8caXdatio?si=vuQieLA0KF62I6f4
Onboard Driving - https://youtu.be/dkGuYzWGZyA?si=OLm_NaacYBfCcqqh
Best wishes,
~ P1Exotics
@Albertnigri Hi there, thank you for your question - from all the service records I have in front of me, I do not see any acknowledgement of repainting done to this Z1, hence should be original. A close glimpse to all our photo gallery should attest the car's age and originality. I'll further this question to the current & previous owner to verify. Hopefully this helps!
@TheGerman Guten Tag! Thank you as well for your question, correct me if I am wrong due to translation - from what I know the seat & dashboard upholstery should be original to the car. There are no service records of the leather being changed or fixed.
@Albertnigri: Hi there, thank you for your question - from all the service records I have in front of me, I do not see any acknowledgement of repainting done to this Z1, hence should be original. A close glimpse to all our photo gallery should attest the car's age and originality. I'll further this question to the current & previous owner to verify. Hopefully this helps!
@TheGerman: Guten Tag! Thank you as well for your question, correct me if I am wrong due to translation - from what I know the seat & dashboard upholstery should be original to the car. There are no service records of the leather being changed or fixed.
__________
To any other potential bidders, please feel free to ask any further questions in the comments, we will try our upmost best to be timely in responses! We advise anyone who hasn't seen our YouTube videos / overview on this Z1 to check out the links below:
Walk-around & Startup - https://youtu.be/ip8caXdatio?si=vuQieLA0KF62I6f4
Onboard Driving - https://youtu.be/dkGuYzWGZyA?si=OLm_NaacYBfCcqqh
~ P1Exotics
Sorry for German language:
Are the seat and dash covers the original BMW covers?
Sind die Sitz- und Armaturen-Bezüge die Original--Bezüge von BMW??
Hi was car repainted ? Many carfax entries list it as black
Bid in the amount of $1,000
Plenty of airflow and fun with the top down and doors down!
To clarify regarding the AC comment. It is our understanding that no Z1’s came with air conditioning, despite the blue and red arrows. Like many older cars, it is simply heat or fan.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
@XHILLR8 - Hi there, thank you for your comment - everything on this vehicle works (there is no A/C present with the vehicle to my understanding). Please see our prior message for a little history to this Z1. Shortly I will upload all service records I currently have to this auction.
In the meantime, here are some YouTube videos regarding our Z1:
Walk-around & Startup - https://youtu.be/ip8caXdatio?si=vuQieLA0KF62I6f4
Onboard Driving - https://youtu.be/dkGuYzWGZyA?si=OLm_NaacYBfCcqqh
~ P1Exotics
To all Watches & Bidders,
We are proud to present this beautiful 1989 BMW Z1 and hope & you find this to be an incredible addition to one's collection. Combining style and a unique driving experience featuring a stunning Traumschwartz (dark blue-green) metallic paint job with a sharp camo leather interior. It's the first and only car to feature doors that slide down into the car's body with a push of a button, giving it a truly futuristic and eye-catching appearance. This example is not ordinarily found with such low mileage, it is accompanied by the original books and service records. Despite being from the northeast, it has always been garage kept. Having been passionately taken care of in previous collector ownership, this Z1 is superb throughout and ready for immediate top down and door down enjoyment!
September 2020: Intake manifold gaskets, throttle body gasket, rocker plug, spark plugs, injector seals, and valve cover gasket replaced. - December 2020: Engine rebuild performed. - May 2021 (19,911 miles): Maintenance inspection performed. - August 2022 (20,364 miles): Maintenance inspection performed engine oil and filter changed, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant flushed. - Recent servicing includes new ECU, new soft top, fluid and filter service, and new door modules and belts... all is in optimal functionality for the auction.
The attached Carfax history report starts in 2011 and contains some reporting gaps, though it lists no accidents or mileage discrepancies for the given time period.
According to our research, the instrument cluster was repaired and circuit board replaced in 2015 due to an inoperative odometer. The vehicle title states that the odometer is accurate. We are also still well in touch with the prior owner who completed this work on the vehicle, and they have also stated that the odometer is accurate. The car was imported from Canada in 2015 after sitting for a while and underwent substantial servicing to ensure reliable operation and functionality.
Extremely rare, having never been imported and sold through United States BMW franchised dealers when new, this Z1 is a significant piece of BMW history. It is one of a handful that have been imported to the USA. Due to their low production and limited availability, Z1s have become instantly collectible.
~ We at P1 Exotics are here to answer any of your questions in the comments,
and wish all bidders the best of luck with the auction!
Any known flaws? Do all gauges, accessories (i.e. AC/Heat) work? Any service records? (carfax is void of most service history).