The United States, for all intensive purposes, is a free country. When it comes to many foreign vehicles, though, The Illuminatus Trilogy summed it up well: “Freedom defined is freedom denied.” Given that the Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency act as the no fun club towards car enthusiasts, I jump when I see a rare and interesting vehicle which has endured the US Federalization process via some determined individual. As an example, Nate had recently featured an example of BMW’s first attempt at a roadster, the Z1. This car was for sale in Canada though, via Monaco. Now a little over a week later, I’ve located a Federalized Z1 on Hemmings hiding out in California.
1989 BMW Z1 on Hemmings
The seller states:
Rare car and especially rare in the US. Fully Federalized to drive in US. Will pass smog in CA (This alone costs tens of thousands of dollars). Excellent condition mechanically and cosmetically, new true dual exhaust, full leather interior, no cloth inserts. Optional deluxe hard top fully leather lined with speakers, map lights and rear defogger. Power Windows, Power Brakes, Power Steering. Great sound system. If you want a car that really stops traffic, this is the one. You can drive the car with the top and doors down at the same time. It’s the closest thing to a motorcycle only with four wheels. Very fun car to drive.
It took me 14 years to find one that I could purchase in the US and legally drive. I have found only six other Z1s in legally in the US. I’ve been told there are more in the US but they are not here legally. This one is fully recognized and authorized by the US DOT. All of the records from new come with this car. Every oil change, and all service has been documented. Recent timing belt change. All import records, updates to the exhaust and the leather interior are completed documented. This very car was featured in April 2008 issue of Bimmer magazine (pages 80 through 84). $52,500 negotiable
The Z8 will always be revered as a classic BMW roadster, much like the 507, it’s spiritual predecessor. It has always surprised me how overlooked the Z1 is, since it was somewhat of a test run for the later Z3 and Z4 roadsters to follow. $52,500 is not chump change for a BMW that is over 20 years old with 43,000 miles, but then again, this is no ordinary BMW. It’s about $10,000 higher than what I’d feel comfortable spending, considering that it is fully legal in this country. I do, however, love the color combination. With the sliding doors and warmer weather arriving here in the Northeast, it would be a fantastic form of shore transportation.
-Paul