A rare piece of BMW history is attracting attention in the classic car market. A 1991 BMW Z1 roadster with approximately 28,000 miles is currently being offered at a no-reserve auction, giving collectors an opportunity to purchase one of the German automaker’s most unusual sports cars.

Finished in Top Red over Dark Gray Nubuck leather, this particular BMW Z1 combines relatively low mileage, documented maintenance, and an interesting ownership history. The auction is being hosted on Bring a Trailer, where the highest bidder will win regardless of the final price.

1991 BMW Z1: A Rare Roadster With Limited Production

The BMW Z1 holds a special place in the company’s history. Produced in limited numbers, the unconventional roadster became famous for its distinctive engineering and unusual design, particularly its vertically retractable doors.

BMW manufactured approximately 8,000 examples of the Z1, making it a relatively uncommon sight compared with other classic BMW models.

This particular example dates from 1991, the final year of Z1 production. Its Top Red exterior is another notable feature, as only 3,102 cars left the factory wearing this paint color.

The exterior is complemented by a Dark Gray Nubuck leather interior and a manually retractable black soft top. However, the doors remain the car’s most recognizable feature. Rather than opening outward in the conventional manner, they slide vertically into the bodywork, giving the BMW Z1 a distinctive appearance that continues to attract attention decades after its introduction.

BMW Z1 Ownership History Includes Former BMW Executive

Beyond its condition and specification, this 1991 BMW Z1 has an interesting ownership background.

According to the auction listing, the roadster remained with its original owner in Germany until 2011. It subsequently entered the collection of Kurt Sposta, a former BMW executive who played a role in selecting the location and overseeing construction of BMW’s manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The connection is particularly interesting because the Spartanburg plant later became an important production center for BMW’s American-built vehicles, including the Z3 roadster.

The vehicle was eventually imported into the United States, where it remained before being purchased by its current owner in 2024.

Since that acquisition, the car has covered approximately 7,000 kilometers, equivalent to around 4,400 miles. Its total recorded mileage now stands at just over 44,000 kilometers, or approximately 28,000 miles.

Recent BMW Z1 Maintenance and Mechanical Updates

Low mileage can make a classic sports car attractive to collectors, but maintenance history is equally important when evaluating an older vehicle.

Fortunately, this BMW Z1 has received several maintenance updates in recent years.

In 2024, the owner carried out several important service operations, including replacing the timing belt and water pump. The work also included new spark plugs, rocker shaft plugs, and a hood strut. Additionally, the oil filter housing was resealed.

The suspension system received attention in November 2025, when Bilstein dampers were installed at all four corners.

More recent maintenance continued in July 2026. The engine oil was changed, and the brake fluid was flushed. The clutch hydraulic fluid was also serviced during the summer.

Meanwhile, the transmission and differential received service work in 2024.

These maintenance records provide prospective buyers with a clearer picture of the vehicle’s recent mechanical history and suggest that the roadster has received attention beyond simply being stored as a collectible.

Cosmetic Imperfections Buyers Should Know About

Despite its attractive mileage and maintenance history, this BMW Z1 is not entirely flawless.

The auction description identifies several cosmetic issues that potential buyers should consider before placing a bid.

The most noticeable problems include cracks in the plastic left-front fender and the left rocker panel. The black soft top also has tears behind the side windows.

Inside the cabin, there is visible wear on the dashboard and the upper section of the instrument cluster housing.

These imperfections do not necessarily undermine the car’s appeal, but they are important considerations for collectors looking for an exceptionally preserved example.

On the positive side, the seller is including several additional items with the vehicle. These include service documentation, a BMW Certificate, a protective car cover, and a first-aid kit.

The car also comes with a clean Carfax report, which indicates no accidents or other reported damage since the report’s initial update in September 2016.

Important California Registration Considerations

There is another detail American buyers should carefully consider.

Although the BMW Z1 carries a clean Montana title, the vehicle is currently located in California. However, it has not undergone an inspection by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair and has not passed a California smog test.

This distinction could matter considerably to buyers planning to register and drive the roadster in California.

Prospective bidders should therefore investigate the applicable registration and emissions requirements before completing a purchase.

BMW Z1 Auction Reaches $54,500 Without a Reserve

The no-reserve auction format makes this particular BMW Z1 especially interesting.

Unlike conventional vehicle auctions with a minimum acceptable selling price, a no-reserve listing guarantees that the car will go to the highest bidder once the auction closes.

At the time of BMWBLOG’s November 15, 2026 report, the highest offer had reached $54,500 following 19 bids. The auction was scheduled to end on November 16.

With no reserve price protecting the seller, additional competition could influence the final selling price.

The combination of limited production, Top Red paint, relatively low mileage, and an ownership connection to a former BMW executive gives this example several characteristics that could appeal to enthusiasts and collectors.

Nevertheless, its cosmetic imperfections and California emissions situation remain important factors when assessing its overall value.

Is the 1991 BMW Z1 Worth Collecting?

The BMW Z1 represents an unusual chapter in the history of BMW roadsters. Its unconventional sliding doors, limited production numbers, and distinctive styling make it considerably different from many other classic sports cars.

This particular example offers an appealing combination of originality, documented maintenance, and relatively low mileage.

It is not a perfect collector car, but its historical background and unusual specification make it an interesting opportunity for someone looking to own a distinctive BMW from the early 1990s.

Ultimately, the auction’s final price will help demonstrate how much collectors are willing to pay for one of BMW’s most recognizable limited-production roadsters.