The ‘Z’ within the BMW Z1 stands for ‘zukunft’, which translates to ‘future’ in English. Today, the Z nameplate in BMW is related to 2-seater roadsters, but back in 1987, the Z1 debuted to showcase the German automaker’s cutting-edge design and manufacturing techniques.
On the time, BMW had just launched its latest Technik division, which was answerable for implementing latest technologies into BMW cars. The department’s first project was the Z1 – a hand-built, dedicated two-seater roadster with unique design and engineering features, probably the most defining being its disappearing doors.
With such an introduction, you’d be right to think the BMW Z1 is special enough in stock form. But Frank, the owner of this Z1, has modified his automobile so meticulously that it’s now truly a considered one of a form machine.
Frank’s story with the BMW Z1 began in 1987 when he saw the automobile for the primary time on the Frankfurt International Auto Show (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, or IAA for brief ) on its debut. He decided then and there to someday own one himself, and that goal was finally realized about eight years ago. This was just the beginning, though.
Modifying the Z1 was at all times behind Frank’s mind when he bought the automobile. In actual fact, when Frank was actively on the lookout for a Z1 to buy, he was rejected by a few dealers resulting from his plans for personalisation. Frank eventually found what he was on the lookout for in Saint-Tropez, France – a Z1 that had previously been repainted from red to silver and due to this fact had lost a few of its originality.
A groundbreaking engineering feature of the Z1 was its thermoplastic exterior body panels. These were designed for straightforward substitute, and you might theoretically change the outside color of a Z1 in a matter of hours. On Frank’s automobile, the entire panels have been replaced with carbon fiber equivalents, even though it’s tough to inform as they’ve been beautifully finished in BMW Marrakesh Brown.
Marrakesh Brown has been Frank’s favorite color ever because it was revealed on the primary generation BMW X1 – a automobile he also owns on this color. I can understand why he loves it; it is a deep brown hue when shrouded in shadows, but as soon as light hits it the metallic gold flakes shine brilliant.
Considering the Z1’s rarity, tuning parts are scarce, so a number of what Frank has done to his automobile is custom. The air suspension, being a one-off kit from Airforce, is example of this.
The O.Z. Racing Futura 3-piece wheels measure 17×8-inch within the front and 17×10.5-inch out back, and through their custom rebuild were modified from a PCD of 4x100mm to 5x130mm. The bolts were also gilded with 24 Karat gold.
The small print are probably the most fascinating aspect of Frank’s BMW Z1. It seems like all over the place you look, there’s a custom touch to be found. The pinstripe motifs which you could see throughout the automobile were hand-painted.
I’ve seen the Z1 on a pair occasions, nevertheless it was only during this shoot that I noticed the pinstripe work on the Marrakesh Brown inner wheel barrels. Crazy!
Custom leatherwork is one other special feature of Frank’s Z1, and no expense was spared here. From the roll bar that follows the windshield frame, to the carpets on the ground, to the dash and the seats (which also received custom carbon fiber back panels), the whole lot was custom-trimmed in leather at Interieur Factory Weissen.
Even the fuel cap and gas struts that hold the trunk have been wrapped in leather.
For those who thought that was crazy, take a look at the front fender liners; that is leatherwork you’d never notice unless you looked really closely or direct sunlight revealed it.
Under the bonnet, the Z1’s original 2.5L M20B25 has been pushed out to 2.7L, and with more compression and a tune it now makes a healthy 220 horsepower – plenty for the lightweight (1,100kg/2,425lb) roadster. The exhaust is custom, fabricated by KBR Motorsport, and importantly maintains the unique shape of the OEM system, which was designed as an element of the aerodynamics to form a diffuser and improve high-speed stability.
The ‘Frank’ valve cover got here from an engine builder within the UK with the identical name, and is considered one of only 26 ever made.
After a night spent capturing the Z1’s details, Frank mentioned that he had a number of additional Z1 panels lying around his house he could show me. The piece I need to spotlight is considered one of his spare carbon fiber fenders that is simply half painted, revealing a small hint of what the Marrakesh Brown paint is hiding.
Frank’s Marrakesh Brown BMW E34 5-Series can be price mentioning, because it’s received the identical level of attention to detail because the Z1. I actually love the polished AC Schnitzer wheels that it sits on.
In a time where loud, wide-bodied stance cars dominate tuner shows and social media, Frank’s BMW stands out for it understated appeal and immense attention to detail. The Z1 is a special automobile in its own right, but that is something else.
Steve Edward
Instagram: stevedwrd
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