2003 BMW Z8 Alpina, #81 of 555 built, hardtop, excellent throughout

2003 BMW Z8 . Description

Celebrity Owned!
#81 of 555 produced
2003 BMW Z8 Alpina
In recent times many motor manufacturers, particularly those with a significant sporting heritage, have felt the need to reference iconic models from the past when launching their latest. BMW proved adept at exploiting this 'retro' trend with the 'Z07' concept car of 1997, taking inspiration from the post-war Alfred Goetz-designed '507', a luxurious limited-edition roadster.
The sensation of the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show, the Z07 was received so enthusiastically that BMW took the decision to press ahead with a production version: the Z8. For the most part the Z8 remained remarkably faithful to the original concept, retaining the 507-like twin-nostril front grille and distinctive front-wing vents. A period-style interior had been one of the Z07's most remarked upon features, and that too made it into the Z8.
The Z8's body paneling and spaceframe chassis were fabricated in lightweight aluminum, while the 32-valve 4,941cc V8 engine, shared with the M5 saloon, was built by BMW's Motorsport division. The M5 provided much of the underpinnings of the car.
The fact that the Z8 was a low-volume model assembled, for the most part, by hand, enabled BMW to offer customers considerable freedom in personalising their cars. Further enhancing its appeal to collectors, the factory announced that a 50-year stockpile of Z8 parts would be maintained. Despite a US launch price of over $128,000, initial demand was so high that a bidding war broke out, with many Z8s selling far in excess of that figure. By the time production ceased at the end of 2002, 5,703 of these fabulous cars had been built.
But that was not quite the end of the Z8 story, for BMW tuning specialist Alpina then introduced its own, even more exclusive version: the Alpina V8 Roadster. Alpina's product was less hard-edged and considerably more refined than the original, being equipped with a 4.8-litre engine from the 5-Series Alpina B10 V8 S and an Alpina-specified ZF five-speed 'Switchtronic' automatic transmission with paddle-shift operation. With a maximum of 375bhp on tap, the Roadster's slightly smaller engine was re-tuned for greater torque at lower revs, which better suited the automatic transmission. Top speed was limited to 161mph, with 60mph coming up in 5.0 seconds, only a couple of tenths slower than the original Z8.
The suspension was revised to provide a more supple ride, and the original 18" wheels and run-flat tires replaced with 20" rims and tires with taller sidewalls. Re-trimmed in softer leather, the interior boasted many Alpina-specific touches including the steering wheel, gauges, and gear selection display. As its specification suggests, the Alpina V8 was targeted at the North American market, which took 450 units out of the 555 scheduled for production.
The limited edition Alpina V8 offered here has been meticulously kept by two owners from new, both very prominent members of the Hollywood set. First, an icon of the music and movie business, and the second, an icon of fashion, both possess substantial collections kept in a climate controlled environments at each of their Beverly Hills estates.
The car has covered a little over 30,000 miles from new and is in excellent condition throughout. The original black paint finish is excellent with no scuffs or dings, with no more than polish swirls to detract from absolute perfection. The Alpina 20” alloys do show a few scuff marks, but shod with good tires with plenty of tread remaining.
The black leather interior is free of scuffs and blemishes to all surfaces, including seats, carpet, dash and all panels. The black over black colour scheme gives the car, number 81 of the 555 built, a timeless, classic feel in its presentation.
The car drives perfectly. Brakes, suspension, steering, and all electrical systems are as new. The car is accompanied by the optional hard top.
This is a great opportunity to acquire a beautifully presented example of this appreciating future classic supercar, with exquisite ownership history.
Many more photos can be seen at this Photobucket Album:
http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/Triumph3x/library/