This 1990 BMW Z1 (VIN WBABA91000AL05367) is a rare example of the sportiest factory way to enjoy top-down driving with extra elbow room. Finished in Fun Yellow, apparently the rarest color on the Z1, this car appears almost white under studio lighting. Under real world conditions this color appears much closer to actual yellow. Find it here on Volvo Cars of Manhattan on Long Island (apparently at Ferrari-Maserati of Long Island) for $55,000. Special thanks to BaT reader Thomas P. for this submission.

The Z1 featured a number of new technologies for BMW apart from its novel doors, including HID headlights, integrated rollbars and an underbody tray. Included with this example are all the original manuals and owners booklets, a 2-inch book of service documents and Z1 memorabilia, EPA clearance, and supporting import documentation from BMW themselves.

Much of the interior of this low-volume car is pretty standard BMW from the period, and the switchgear should be familiar to most owners of late 80s/early 90s 3 and 5-series cars. The rear suspension design(the “Z-axle”) was seen in other BMWs, including the e36 3-series. The supportive looking sports seats have an interesting aesthetic, though it is not immediately clear if they have adjustable backrests.

Underhood things should prove very familiar to E30 325i owners, as the engine and transmission were sourced from that model. The Z1 weighs about the same as an e30 3-series at about 2,700 pounds, so expect fairly similar straight line performance. The engine bay looks very tidy, and the car was apparently maintained by Authorized BMW Dealers.

Compared to later BMW Z-Cars this may not be a great value, but as a vehicle that basically survived intact from concept to production it may be unique enough to warrant the asking price.