This is the 1991 BMW Z1 Alpina RLE (Roadster Limited Edition), number 49 of just 66 total examples produced for the world with this car being finished in an amazing shade of ‘Dream Black Metallic’ over a black interior. From 1989 until 1991, just around 8,000 total Z1 examples were constructed, all of which were designed by Dutch automobile designer, Harm Lagaay. The doors of the Z1 operate via a vertically sliding system, as opposed to traditional doors. The story, and early beginnings of the Z1 model begin in the year 1985, with the introduction of a new concepts and technologies department known as BMW Technik GmbH. The director of this division was German businessman, and former CEO of Aston Martin, Ulrich Bez, who wound up overseeing the entire Z1 development, however, this role would soon be switched, when Bez left BMW in October 1988, and was later replaced by Klaus Faust. The Z1 was BMW Technik GmbH’s first concept vehicle, and the entire project first gained approval in August of 1985 by the BMW board. In 1987, BMW announced that the Z1 would enter production. The model went into official production October of 1988, and in addition to the unique door function, the Z1 offered a wide variety of other innovations such as removable plastic body panels, a roll-hoop integrated into the windscreen, continuously zinc welded seams, and much more. The doors and side panels were developed using American multinational conglomerate, General Electric Company’s Xenoy thermoplastic, while the bonnet, boot, and roof cover are GRP components developed by Seger + Hoffman AG. This car shown here is quite different from a standard Z1 however, being that it is a Alpina Z1 RLE, 1 of just 66 total cars built for the world of its kind. The RLE model was introduced by Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH & Co. KG (commonly shortened to just Alpina) in the year 1987. The limited-edition Z1 features Alpina wheels, a unique steering wheel with ‘limited edition’ text and the production number, and much more!
How many made? 66
Engine: 2.7L M20B25 I6
Debut: 1987
Top speed: around 136mph
0-60mph: around 7.1 seconds
Photo Credit: @janek_car_photography
Research: @rarecarsonly