When the Z8 was introduced BMW held the press event at the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena (now the Langham). I was staying there on business and for a few days I would come out of the lobby every morning to find 12 or 15 freshly washed Z8s, tops down, arrayed around the circular drive waiting for the journos. Beautiful car from BMW's best era.
Hey Dominic, The Z8 is also one of my favorite designs. I was in Germany in 2022, and saw one at an auto show. I tried to sit in it, but I was quickly chastised for even trying. I studied it quite closely, and decided it was even better looking in person than in all of the pictures. A few years before that trip, I had owned a 2003 BMW Z4 with the 3.0 liter M54 engine. An engine that was previously listed among Ward’s 10 Best Engines. It was a sweet thing and it loved to rev. Unfortunately, I was offered more money than I paid for it, and I decided to sell. I do miss that car - the long hood, gear shifter right on the top of the 6-speed transmission (no cables), sitting just in front of the rear wheels, and that short stubby tail. A great recipe for any convertible roadster. Thanks for featuring the Z8 in your newsletter - you're a classy guy!
I bet that Z4 was fun. For a tiny spell, I was considering a Z4 coupe for my daily driver…a horrible idea considering how rough Midwestern winters can be, but I’ve often made my car decisions from the heart, not the head :)
Wow, I didn't realize Fleming was 56 when he passed. I thought he would have been in his 70s. Damn hard living. For me, the Brosnan-era of Bond will always be my favorite. Likely because I was a kid when his movies were released. I bought an Omega Seamaster 300 because of his movies. His cars were always awesome and the Z8 was the best of the lot.
When the Z8 was introduced BMW held the press event at the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena (now the Langham). I was staying there on business and for a few days I would come out of the lobby every morning to find 12 or 15 freshly washed Z8s, tops down, arrayed around the circular drive waiting for the journos. Beautiful car from BMW's best era.
Love this story. And I totally agree: BMWs BEST era. They were on a tear.
So we're going to act as if we didn't notice that beautiful 36mm Explorer on Ian's wrist?
Good eye! Wasn’t he a 1016 guy?
Hey Dominic, The Z8 is also one of my favorite designs. I was in Germany in 2022, and saw one at an auto show. I tried to sit in it, but I was quickly chastised for even trying. I studied it quite closely, and decided it was even better looking in person than in all of the pictures. A few years before that trip, I had owned a 2003 BMW Z4 with the 3.0 liter M54 engine. An engine that was previously listed among Ward’s 10 Best Engines. It was a sweet thing and it loved to rev. Unfortunately, I was offered more money than I paid for it, and I decided to sell. I do miss that car - the long hood, gear shifter right on the top of the 6-speed transmission (no cables), sitting just in front of the rear wheels, and that short stubby tail. A great recipe for any convertible roadster. Thanks for featuring the Z8 in your newsletter - you're a classy guy!
Thanks, Mike!
I bet that Z4 was fun. For a tiny spell, I was considering a Z4 coupe for my daily driver…a horrible idea considering how rough Midwestern winters can be, but I’ve often made my car decisions from the heart, not the head :)
Wow, I didn't realize Fleming was 56 when he passed. I thought he would have been in his 70s. Damn hard living. For me, the Brosnan-era of Bond will always be my favorite. Likely because I was a kid when his movies were released. I bought an Omega Seamaster 300 because of his movies. His cars were always awesome and the Z8 was the best of the lot.
That Omega is a classic! Always loved the dial so much.
I agree. The rosemill wave dial is an icon in its own right. Such a great era of cars and watches.