The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale 10th - 12th November 2023

+ buyers premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT) on the first £300,000 of the hammer and 10% plus VAT (12% incl VAT) thereafter 155 Registration: M23 BMV Chassis No.: WBSCN92070LC69221 Estimate: £45,000 - £55,000 Offered at No Reserve Specialist: Joseph Watts Telephone No: 07779 082707 Lot 233 2002 BMW Z3M Coupé (S54) The Z3 was the first modern mass-market roadster produced by BMW, as well as the first new BMW model to be assembled in the United States. It was introduced as a 1996 model-year vehicle, shortly after being featured in the James Bond movie Goldeneye . While the film was number one at the box office, sales of the car peaked and over 15,000 orders had been placed by the time the car was launched. The Z3 was designed by Joji Nagashima of the BMW design team, and was developed from the 3-series E36 platform, and consequently is often referred to as the E36/7 (Roadster) or E36/8 (Coupé). When launched, only the 1.9-litre, straight-four engine was offered, but its 138bhp proved a bit short of breath. A 2.2-litre engine producing 168bhp was made available for the more enthusiastic driver whilst in 1997 a powerful six-cylinder 2.8-litre unit producing 190bhp was an option, and ultimately, in 1998, the 3.2-litre Z3M topped the range. In October 2001, the ‘M’ Coupé reappeared with the new 3.2-litre ‘S54’ B32 engine from the E46 M3, producing 321bhp at 7,400rpm and 258lb/ft, and it transformed the Z3M. On paper, the difference is a mere 4bhp, but in the real world it feels like at least 40bhp! The free-revving characteristics remained, but with the power instantly available throughout the range; smoother, torquier, more responsive - in other words, the drivers’ choice and the model the enthusiasts hanker for. Only 165 right-hand drive Z3M Coupés were made worldwide, with just 123 for the UK-market, plus, this car is one of only 15 S54 examples finished in the rare colour of Stahlgrau Metallic (Steel Grey), which makes this a particularly desirable car. The car presented here is a 2002 Z3M Coupé (S54) and is one of those 14 S54 examples produced in arguably the best (and rarest) BMW hue of Steel Grey, and doesn’t it suit the car? Wow. Complemented by a single-tone black interior (no two-tone seats here) this is ‘uber-cool BMW-ness’. In exceptionally good condition, our vendor selected this car as part of his Collection for its quality, specification and rarity. With a full and comprehensive service history, supporting its meagre 45,000 miles, this is a superb modern-classic, and tipped to be a future star. Indeed, Bonhams, at their recent Zoute Sale, achieved €149,500 for another S54 in Steel Grey, a quite amazing result, but it shows how highly-regarded these cars are - a never-to-be-repeated, powerful, naturally aspirated engined, almost bespoke type of production car from a major manufacturer - certainly a high-tidemark model. Offered for sale at ‘No Reserve’, this is a special opportunity. On offer from the Barton J Hubert No Reserve Collection - shooting brake, cool styling and a sonorous soundtrack from the desirable S54 engine; one of only 165 right-hand drive Z3M Coupés produced worldwide, and one of just 14 S54 examples in Steel Grey. More Details Lot 233 Bid On Lot 233