2000 BMW Z8 E52

According to some sources the BMW Z8 was inspired by the BMW 507 roadster that was built between 1956 and 1959. Reportedly a US auto importer persuaded the BMW management to produce a roaster to fill the gap between the Mercedes-Benz 300SL and the Triumph and MG sports cars. Following a board of directors meeting in 1993 it was agreed that design work would begin and in 1999, Chris Bangle, the head of design was granted a US design patent, Des. 406,799.

Initial reviews or the new Z8 were quite positive and included the remark by a Car and Driver reviewer that, “In truth, the Z8’s visual charisma is so powerful that just sitting in their car with the engine off is more fun than driving many cars….”

While production of the Z8 only lasted three short years the cars style, handling and build quality have insured its spot in automotive history. Several Z8 prototypes also starred with Pierce Brosnan, as James Bond, in the 1999  movie, The World is not Enough.