Z8-Based Alpina Roadster Demands Your Attention
With just 555 built, it’s even rarer – and more refined – than a Z8.
The now-legendary BMW Z8 was designed to pay tribute to the classic BMW 507 sports car of the 1950s. In the years since, it’s become a classic in its own right. Just 5,703 were produced, with many of them (2,543, to be exact) making their way to America.
The Z8 shares many components with the contemporary E39 5 Series. Most notably, the Z8 made use of the S62 V8 found in the E39 M5. Alpina, the mythical BMW tuning house, turned their attention to the Z8 for the 2003 model year. Alpina is well known for refining BMW cars into their ultimate forms. While this usually means additional doses of luxury and performance, the Alpina Roadster took a decidedly different route.
The Alpina Roadtser trades the Z8’s aggressive S62/six-speed combo for a more mellow M62/automatic setup. This, coupled with Alpina’s trademark luxury touches, transforms the Z8 into a great top-down cruiser. It may sound controversial, but it’s the best possible version of the Z8. While the S62 is a terrific engine, the Z8’s chassis wasn’t capable of delivering a top-tier sports car experience.
Relaxation Over Raw Acceleration
Instead, the Z8 is best admired for its beauty grace as it effortlessly carries you and a very lucky passenger through the countryside with the top down. Just 555 Alpina Roadsters were built; of that, 450 were sold here in America. You can find this well-preserved example on BringATrailer.
It’s being sold by Auto Street USA of Jupiter, Florida, a perfect locale for a convertible if there ever was one. It’s finished in Titanium Silver Metallic on the outside and features black Nappa leather on the inside. A matching hardtop is included with the sale, and you’ll even get a storage stand to keep it safe in your garage.
With just 18,000 miles, this Alpina Roadster presents beautifully, and still has plenty of miles left for the next owner to enjoy the sunshine. Of course, such a rare machine will demand a premium. As of this writing, the bidding had already reached $200,000 with three days left in the auction.
Photos: Bring A Trailer
