Z1 Roadster

BMW Corporation’s first contract for the “Technik GmbH” had absolutely nothing concrete to do with the development of an automobile. This aim was adopted by the engineers themselves: The “ZT” team, so called by BMW internally, entered the scene with the task of inventing innovative partial aspects of automobile construction and they immediately overwhelmed everybody with an entire bundle of ideas which were then implemented in the concept of the Z1.

This approach is characteristic of this very specific work ethic and at the same time is proof of the power of creative freedom: viewed soberly, the Roadster Z1 was a pilot project for use of new con-struction materials, for a different style of vehicle design and for the reduction of development times. The work started in the second half of 1985 – three years later the first production version of the Z1 rolled out of the Munich factory. All told, 8,000 units were produced – today it has become a legend.

The body of the Z1 is its unique feature. Its skeleton is a monocoque style of chassis with a bonded synthetic base. The outer shell of the body is composed of elastic resilient plastic. Particularly notable characteristics are the sinkable doors which can be lowered using a sophisticated electromechanical system and the high side skirt which contribute significantly to a new level of passenger protection for a car of this type. The Z1’s cart-like road handling provides an added measure of fun when driving. The Z1 was also the debut of the so-called central point guided, spherical, double suspension arm, which became well known as the Z-axle in the BMW 3 Series.

A. R. Penck, Art Car, 1991

Z1 links