Top Gear  magazine      international edition July 2000.

Take a butcher’s at the five second-hand open-top sports cars in the test and you’ll see that each is as different from the others as it can be. There’s the populist MX-5, brutal TVR, cult status Lotus, prestigious Porsche and this, the exclusive and utterly unique BMW Z1.

Here’s a little question: when did you last see one? Indeedy. BMW only sold 77 Z1’s in the uk over a three-year period, starting from when it became available in 1989. But why? First they were only ever made in left-hand drive. Second the asking price was a fearsome £37,500. Third that sort of cash at the time would have got something quicker built by Porsche, Lotus or even BMW. Now, however, Z1’s are vastly more attainable than they once were. Used values have shrunk to near-MX-5 levels and a strong pound has meant they have become much cheaper to import from Europe.

A large portion of the 8.012 built were sold to Germany – now the prime place to find a Z1. A quick scan through a recent “Top Marques” showed up four low mileage examples, with prices starting from close to £ 14.000.

The Z1 feels very sophisticated. BMW really could have just launched it and it would still be considered advanced; the only difference is that its finely balanced rear-drive layout isn’t hampered by nannying computerised driver aids. The rust-free galvanised steel chassis features high box sections making for an utterly wobble-free body structure. The body itself is made of lightweight composite plastic panels. These simply bolt on, and when BMW unveiled the car in 1986 they suggested owners should buy a spare set so they could change their car’s colour at a whim, pre-dating the Smart car.

The Z1’s party trick is that the doors and windows disappear electrically down into the sills, allowing you to tool about at posing speeds with roof and doors all out of sight. The doors are operated by toothed belts which can go out of adjustment or break; these are relatively straightforward DIY job to sort, though a confused BMW dealer may quote big money to investigate any woes. Interiors are covered in expensive to fix leather trim, which is easily scuffed, especially where it covers the door entry points.

Although Z1’s sound exotic, in all other respects they are as easy to maintain as a contemporary 325i. Its sweet revving in line  2.5 litre engine adds to the upmarket air and delivers decent go, if not quite nearly £40k’s worth. BMW main dealers offer a “4+” discount scheme on parts and servicing for all cars over four years old – well worth considering. A Z1 with a full, main agent stamped-up history will be a more reassuring choice and worth more, a fact that equally holds for imports.

Another point. The Z1 was the first BMW to use the advanced Z-axle rear suspension set-up found in the current shape 3-series. Ten years on , packaging reasons mean that the current Z3 is stuck with the more primitive arrangement from the old, late 80’s 3-series.

Not only is the Z1 a far more interesting car, it’s more fun to drive too.

Delen uit het slotcommentaar:

OK. so maybe we have not convinced you an MX5 was the sensible way to go after all. And yes, maybe the TVR is too hairy, the Elan to fragile and the Porsche too grown up.

If you want something with a great engine, handling as exploitably involving as the MX-5’s and cool looks like no car before or since, then the BMW Z1 is it.

So what if it’s left-hand drive ?. It’s even affordable now where it was vastly overpriced when new, while its cheap as an old 3-Series to look after too. Although most owners hide them away, The Z1 has everyday practicality on its side.

All you’ve got to do now is go out and find one……………..

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Laatst gewijzigd: October 21, 2008.