If you're not familiar with the BMW Z1, don’t worry. You're not the only one.
In 1989 the BMW Z1 was a small, expensive, and underpowered sports car, and while it did have some notable owners - such as Rowan Atkinson and Jeremy Clarkson - it didn’t exactly set the world on fire with its interchangeable body panels and cool 'roller doors'.
As our US counterpart Doug shows, the BMW Z1 was more of a wacky Art Car concept than an 'ultimate driving machine' as advertised, and merited its hefty asking price through zaney features and design motifs, rather than outright speed alone.
Which was good, because with a 125kW (168hp), 2.5-litre straight-six engine and five-speed gearbox lifted straight from a regular E30 325i, it wasn't that fast. Nor was it a real charmer through the corners.
Neither is it as ‘practical’ as some other sports cars; the boot aperture is an awkward shape and the small glovebox is behind the passenger seat. Weird.
As it's a convertible there’s no 'dome light' for the interior either and, as Doug explains, BMW’s substitute isn't much of a compromise.
But hey, who cares. It has no doors!
Check out the US version of Oversteer here and also subscribe to Doug’s YouTube channel here.
What do you think of the BMW Z1? Do you think it's a good used buy? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
.jpg)
.jpg)
