1990 BMW Z1 w/ Alpina Wheels

A red 1990 BMW Z1, one of 8,000 Z1s built, leaving Cars in the Canyon at Oak Canyon Park. Introduced in 1986 as a prototype, the Z1 was the first car in BMW's "Z" ("Zukunft") series and featured numerous unique elements including vertically retracting doors, removable plastic body panels, a flat plastic undertray, and a rollbar integrated into the windscreen. This example has been modified with a reupholstered French leather interior, Quicksilver exhaust, Alpina Dynamic D02 wheels, and custom coilover suspension.

One of the main reasons I came to this event was that I knew this car would be there. The Z1 was never officially sold in the U.S., and it's one of those cars that's just so interesting and quirky that there's simply nothing else like it. Many people don't even know that the mass-produced Z3 and Z4 had a predecessor, let alone such an eccentric one. Its styling combines contemporary BMW design cues with a wedge-shaped nose, a roadster body, and those ever-so-fascinating doors. The removable body panels are a great idea, although it's generally agreed that the process is far too laborious to serve any practical benefit.

I'm surprised BMW managed to build so many Z1s given it seems like more of an experimental car. But despite its quirkiness, it's a fun and usable driver's car utilizing an existing BMW engine and powertrain. I don't know how hard it is to find Z1s in Europe today, but here in the States, it remains a rare gem that's sure to turn heads at every car event.

Do you prefer the Z1 over modern BMWs? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!