The Alpina Z1

A 'concept car' first shown by BMW in 1986 and officially presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1987, the Z1 sports roadster was used to showcase emerging automotive technologies, including the 'internal skeleton' method of construction that made for a very stiff chassis. Molded plastic panels clothed the galvanized steel chassis, which was braced by a molded composite under-tray. The body panels were easily removed, and it was even suggested that owners might want to buy a second set in an alternative color. Unusually, the electrically operated doors dropped into the body sides to provide access; to date, the BMW Z1 remains the only convertible car to employ this technology.

Alpina's conversions for BMWs frequently involve extensive changes to the standard bodywork in pursuit of increased aerodynamic downforce, but happily in the Z1's case these bolt-on additions were not deemed necessary. When it came to producing their special version, Alpina had relatively little to do, so effective was BMW's original conception. Instead, Alpina focused its attention on giving the Z1 a much-needed power increase, dropping in its tuned 2,651cc version of the M20 producing 200bhp. With an additional 30 horsepower on tap, the RLE raced to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of around 230km/h (142mph). Changes to the suspension were minimal, while there was little to distinguish the car from the standard Z1 apart from its Alpina 17" alloy wheels and Alpina steering wheel.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This particular Z1 is number 63 of 66 built. Having covered just over 12,000km since new, this no-stories example presents in exquisite condition with all modifications made to the Z1 by Alpina in nearly-new appearance throughout. The iconic Alpina gold striping runs the length of the red car while the interior is lined in camouflage-and-grey leather.

More recently, this Z1 was displayed at the Legends of The Autobahn in Monterey where it received the Michelin Choice Award for excellence. The car comes with the special Alpina Roadstar Edition Book issued for the owner of the car signed by Mr. Burkard Bovensiepen, the owner of Alpina himself with the serial number of the car.