44k-Kilometer 1991 BMW Z1
Presentation
This 1991 BMW Z1 is said to have remained with its original owner in Germany until 2011, when it was acquired and imported to the US by BMW executive Kurt Sposta, who was involved in selecting the site and overseeing construction of BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the Z3 would later be produced. The car was acquired by the current owner in 2024, and work under current ownership included fluid changes, resealing the oil filter housing, and replacing the timing belt, water pump, rocker shaft plugs, spark plugs, hood strut, tires, and suspension dampers. Specified in Top Red over Dark Gray Nubuck leather, the car is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-six paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Further details include a black soft top, retractable doors, 16″ Style 11 alloy wheels, a BMW Bavaria C Business stereo, and power windows. This Z1 shows 44k kilometers (~28k miles) and is now offered at no reserve on dealer consignment with a BMW Certificate, service records, a car cover, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Montana title.
The Z1 was the first concept vehicle developed under BMW Technik GmbH and features removable body panels constructed of GE’s Xenoy injection-cast thermoplastic along with a roll-hoop integrated into the windscreen surround, continuously zinc-welded seams, and vertically retracting doors. This example is one of 3,102 that were ordered in Top Red (257). Exterior equipment includes a manually retractable black soft top, A-pillar-mounted power-adjustable side mirrors, a rear diffuser, and dual exhaust outlets. Noted flaws included cracks in the plastic on the left front fender and on the left rocker panel in front of the rear tire, as well as tears in the soft top behind the side windows. Close-up photos of the paint and trim condition are viewable in the gallery below.
The 16″ Style 11 alloy wheels are mounted with 225/45 Toyo Proxes R1R tires that were installed in 2024. The Z1 introduced a multi-link rear “Z axle” design, and stopping power is provided by four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. Replacement Bilstein dampers were installed at all four corners in November 2025, and the brake fluid was flushed in July 2026.
The interior features bolstered bucket seats upholstered in Dark Gray Nubuck leather with patterned inserts as well as a color-coordinated center console. Cabin amenities include a BMW Bavaria C Business stereo, a digital clock, power windows, and an aftermarket magnetic phone mount.
The three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel fronts VDO instrumentation including a 240-km/h speedometer, a tachometer, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. The six-digit odometer shows 44k kilometers (~28k miles), approximately 7k kilometers (~4,400 miles) of which were added under current ownership. Wear is visible on the top of the instrument binnacle and the dashboard near the left side air vent.
The 2.5-liter M20B25 inline-six features Motronic 1.3 engine management and was factory rated at 168 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. The oil filter housing was resealed and a replacement timing belt, water pump, rocker shaft plugs, spark plugs, and hood strut were installed in 2024. The oil was most recently changed in July 2026.
Seller Video
Bids & Comments
RCM3
Bid
Nov 9, 2026 · 19:13
Bid in the amount of $44,444
Nov 9, 2026 · 19:12
Hi all, I must comment here because I recently imported one from Romania. The import process is long and difficult so the fact this is here is a blessing and adds some serious value. Secondly, I absolutely love mine! I own many cars (find me on Instagram with same user name) and this one is up there. The Z1 is a head turner like nothing else, even more than Ferrari and Porsche I own. It's unique and surprisingly fun to drive!
Nov 9, 2026 · 18:48
Another banger! The Sand business must be rocking! Cheers!
AutoTherapy
Bid
Nov 8, 2026 · 12:07
Bid in the amount of $31,000
Nov 7, 2026 · 01:51
Any risk of a pending tax lien on this given the, erm, location and registration?
targaman85
Bid
Nov 7, 2026 · 00:24
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Nov 6, 2026 · 22:12
These sales are always interesting; I, as a biased owner, always feel they are undervalued (I wouldn't, would I :-)
I had a red one like this for over 20 years and only sold it literally five mins after I purchased a Magic Violet one in Switzerland many years ago and had it shipped to the US. That red Z1 was the longest I had owned a car at the time, and is still owned and enjoyed by a local BMW friend - the friend I called after agreeing to the Magic Violet one. The market as always, will decide the price, and that's fine. But these are about as easy to live with as any classic car; people are often shocked they are over 35 years old and yet, still thoroughly modern-looking. They drive very easily; the gearbox is wonderful and that BMW 2.5 engine is about as reliable and fun as you could wish for. I doubt there is more bang for your buck when turning up to any car meet, as all us owners say, "one day the market will wake up," which we have been saying for a little while now..... about two decades :-)
I had a red one like this for over 20 years and only sold it literally five mins after I purchased a Magic Violet one in Switzerland many years ago and had it shipped to the US. That red Z1 was the longest I had owned a car at the time, and is still owned and enjoyed by a local BMW friend - the friend I called after agreeing to the Magic Violet one. The market as always, will decide the price, and that's fine. But these are about as easy to live with as any classic car; people are often shocked they are over 35 years old and yet, still thoroughly modern-looking. They drive very easily; the gearbox is wonderful and that BMW 2.5 engine is about as reliable and fun as you could wish for. I doubt there is more bang for your buck when turning up to any car meet, as all us owners say, "one day the market will wake up," which we have been saying for a little while now..... about two decades :-)
Nov 5, 2026 · 10:51
I've seen scissor doors, dihedral doors, gullwing doors, suicide doors, regular doors, and even sliding doors on a car. But I've never seen doors like that before
AutoTherapy
Bid
Nov 5, 2026 · 01:42
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Nov 4, 2026 · 07:46
These things are so damn cool. Unfortunately, too rich for my blood. GLWA.
Nov 4, 2026 · 07:37
@MONC
The soft top is manual, and the interior seat material is called “camouflage” and was relatively common on cars with the Nubuck interior
The soft top is manual, and the interior seat material is called “camouflage” and was relatively common on cars with the Nubuck interior
Nov 4, 2026 · 07:35
@MONC
Yes the top is fully manual and very easy to use. It stores completely under the hinged hard cover in front of the trunk. Very elegant design.
Yes the top is fully manual and very easy to use. It stores completely under the hinged hard cover in front of the trunk. Very elegant design.
Nov 4, 2026 · 06:35
How does the soft top go up on these cars? Manually? Is top hidden under cover behind back seats? Also, that has to be the most unusual seat insert pattern l've ever seen. At first l thought the seats were worn. Is that original to these cars as well?
Merlin51
Bid
Nov 4, 2026 · 00:33
Bid in the amount of $20,000
rs91
Bid
Nov 3, 2026 · 23:56
Bid in the amount of $10,000
AutoTherapy
Bid
Nov 3, 2026 · 21:03
Bid in the amount of $5,000
GMZ
Bid
Nov 3, 2026 · 20:05
Bid in the amount of $2,091
WildKarrde
Bid
Nov 3, 2026 · 18:48
Bid in the amount of $1,991
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Can I come see the car over the weekend? I live in the Bay Area and I would love to see it in person. My Z8 needs a buddy, and I have a euro s50 on a pallet that needs a home...