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That this new car, the Z8, is scorchingly fast comes as no surprise.It employs the potent 400-hp M5 powertrain, which endows theM5 sedan with the acceleration of a Corvette. Weighing about 500pounds less than the two-ton M5, the Z8’s performance is beyondquestion.’ – Car & Driver.In recent times many motor manufacturers, particularly those with asignificant sporting heritage, have felt the need to reference iconicmodels from the past when launching their latest. BMW has provedadept at exploiting this ‘retro’ trend, commencing in 1996 with theZ3 coupé and convertible, the styling of which brilliantly recalled itsfabulous ‘328’ sports car of pre-war days. Its next effort along similarlines - the ‘Z07’ concept car of 1997 - took its inspiration from thepost-war Alfred Goetz-designed ‘507’, a luxurious limited-editionroadster which, despite its sublime looks and superb performance,all but bankrupted the struggling German company.The sensation of the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show, the Z07 was receivedso enthusiastically that BMW took the decision to press ahead with aproduction version: the Z8. Some of the Z07’s less practical featureswere deleted, including the four-spoke steering wheel, ‘doublebubble’ hardtop and driver’s headrest fairing, but for the most partthe Z8 remained remarkably faithful to the original concept, retainingthe 507-like twin-nostril front grille and distinctive front-wing vents. Aperiod-style interior had been one of the Z07’s most remarked uponfeatures, and that too made it into the Z8. Car & Driver was movedto remark: ‘In truth, the Z8’s visual charisma is so powerful that justsitting in this car with the engine off is more fun than driving manyother cars. Then when you press the starter button – set apart, alsoa tribute to the past – another level of excitement begins.’The Z8’s body panelling and spaceframe chassis were fabricatedin lightweight and corrosion resistant aluminium, while the 32-valve4,941cc V8 engine, shared with M5 saloon, was built by BMW’sMotorsport division. With 400bhp on tap, the Z8 raced to 100km/h(62mph) in 4.7 seconds and only the built-in rev limiter stoppedit from exceeding 250km/h (155mph). Power reached the run-flattyres via a Getrag six-speed manual gearbox. Needless to say, theZ8 also came with all the modern appurtenances one would expectof a flagship model: traction control, stability control, front and sideair bags, GPS navigation, climate control and power operation ofthe seats, steering wheel and convertible hood all being included inthe package.The fact that the Z8 was a low-volume model assembled, for themost part, by hand enabled BMW to offer customers considerablefreedom in personalising their cars. Further enhancing its appeal tocollectors, the factory announced that a 50-year stockpile of Z8 partswould be maintained. Despite a (US) launch price of over $128,000,initial demand was so high that a bidding war broke out, with manyZ8s selling for well in excess of that figure. By the time productionceased in 2003, 5,703 of these fabulous cars had been built.In the current (third) owner’s hands since 2007, this Z8 has seenlittle use over the course of the last 2-3 years and has covered only26,500 miles from new. ‘Y228 SBE’ was last serviced in April 2014by Performance & Prestige Cars Ltd of Ewelme, Oxfordshire (see billfor £2,568 on file) and is described as in generally good condition.Complete with factory hardtop, this rare and collectible modernclassic is offered with sundry service bills, current MoT and V5Cregistration document.£80,000 - 120,000€99,000 - 150,000Motor Cars | 137