One piece of equipment is a radio that does not pick up. This is probably the only case where such a situation can be taken as a positive! To get the receiver to work, one would have to enter a code hidden in the factory envelope. By entering the code, we would gain the possibility to listen to music, but we would lose the privilege of having an envelope that has never been unsealed, maybe the only one of its kind in the world.

The largest number (more than 6,000) of Z1s left BMW’s works in red paint. The Magic Violet paintwork seen in the photos was applied to only 207 units. This is not many, but not the least. A search for the rarest colour version leads us to a yellow unit. The only one that was produced. One of the purple Z1s that the Collection owns was used by television during the 1992 European Football Championship, played in Sweden.

The condition of the car can be described as new, because if we ignore the metric, it is indeed a new car. Driving it, or even sitting in the seat, gives us the impression of dealing with a vehicle that has just been bought from the showroom. Starting the engine, you must remember that – despite its age – it is still underpowered. You can feel the characteristic rough texture on the steering wheel and buttons. Every item added by BMW, such as the company’s cushion and service book are factory foiled. Luckily, it never even crossed anyone’s mind to tear the foil coating. Even the inspections, although conducted regularly, were documented on separate cards so as not to disturb the ever-closed service book.

The car is equipped with a 175-hp, 2.5-litre engine. If we take the risk of going for a drive and irreversibly racking up the kilometres, we can enjoy a ride similar to a go-kart track. Even more so as the doors can be opened, or rather tucked into the sills, during the ride, in accordance with the regulations and homologation. The only condition is that seat belts must be fastened.

Two-seater BMWs with a sporty flair appeared as early as the 1930s. After the war, the brand forgot about cars of this kind for many years, their real return came in the mid-1980s with the appearance of the prototype Z1.

The Z1 was the first result of work on a newly established unit, BMW Technik GmbH. This technological division’s task was developing and proposing new models, preferably full of innovative ideas.

Production of the Z1 started at the end of 1988. Did such a car make your heart beat faster? Yes, and even before it could fully demonstrate its capabilities. The first twitch of the pulse came from just looking at it. The electrically retractable doors in the door sill, the easily removable plastic body parts – such details are impressive even today. For the second time, the pulse quickened because of the price. The Z1 was priced at 83,000 marks. Suffice it to say, it was enough to give 60,000 for a well-equipped 535i.

The surviving models still hold their value today. How much are they worth? You may find the answer by browsing the annual price lists, but a voice in the back of your head tells you that in this condition and with this history, this car is priceless.