The Z stands for Zukunft (German for future), and has been produced in four different series with six generations consisting of roadster, coupé, sports car, and concept variants.

The BMW Z1 Rooted in innovation and boasting a new shape, this two-seat roadster, developed by BMW and produced from March 1989 to June 1991, was based on the E30 3 Series platform. It is known for its unique design made clear in unusual doors, which instead of opening outward or upward, drop down into the door sills.

BMW built 8000 examples and, of those, just 150 were made for the UK market and featured mph speedos. And this car, according to the record, is build number 148 of those 8000. While the slidey-down doors are the talking point, the Z1 is no more challenging to drive than the 325i from which it borrowed its driveline.

Very few of these cars were made, making it rarer than most cars, the BMW M Coupe model especially so.