Classic Z3

    The December issue of Classic & sports Car has a good article on the Z3 as starter classic. The only thing is they have made the same mistake as BMW did when the launched the Z. They have "launched" the  1.9 as a classic I have emailed them and told them of there mistake.


  RonZ

Ron & Mike.Could the reason that the 1.9 was nominated as a future classic be that it was the first to be built?
I always thought that to be a classic anyway,it had to be 25 years old.
Whatever the status of the Z3,it is a timeless design. IMHO,the frontal designs of the latest concept BMs,and the 6 series, are gradually reverting back to the Z3 shape. I presume this is because the kidney grille,the slanted lights, and the front engine position limit the possible alternatives.

  Mike. I don't think its not a "classic" just felt that they should have had the 2.8 as the feature car. When the Z3 was launched the 1.9 was the first car on the scene and everybody said it would have done much better if the 2.8 or the M was first. Just My opinion!


 RonZ


Edited by 325iRon - 17 Nov 2008 at 10:10am

With retro looks it always had the look of a classic , though the Zed4 with Bangles angles ,and the cars that followed in that trend, may be looked upon as more influential( if not quite as attractive IMO)

   I agree with you Mike the face lift looks to "soft" to me our model is more aggressive and dare I say manly!

I have never driven the pre facelift but looking into the side mirror and seeing the curves at the rear does it for me, even if it is a rip off of the big Healy

OK Ron - I've moved the Z3 Lowering posts into a new thread!

I will always remember the BMW press release announcing the facelifted Z3, which described the rear wings as being 'Thrusting and muscular' - it sounded like a description of a male hamster on heat!  Where do they get these people?

Steve...a car can be a classic as soon as released these days...so its not age related...I did start a thread once on this subject to create a response...and it was agreed it not a case of age...but it open to different opinions and possible discussion

Mike - classic is not just about rarity...if that is what you are saying...otherwise the Allegro, Princess etc and in BMW terms the E30 Baur will be the most desirable classics (know they are listed in classic mags)  rather than a Ferrari etc....the rarest of all E30 model is not listed at all anywhere as a classic....However I agree generally the limited editions and performance models obtain status as classic quicker....'classic' regards to modern cars is getting more difficult when you compare the MK1 Golf to the current version....but then we are again looking at limited runs of CSL etc.....I believe the Z3 will one day be considered a classic but not attract great status in terms of value...and guess looking at the more powerful / high spec models....but you are right the classic idea is more to do with the driver who enjoys their car and believe it to be a classic

Edited by Cabrio - 28 Nov 2008 at 10:06am

Which one!...

Yes - but the Triumph Stag is now 'Classic,' even though it was - and is - awful!

'Classicness' is in the eye of the beholder, and I would be more comfortable if decent cars still available in quantity were given a more sensible tag, such as the 'Post vintage Thorobred' classificatiom used to 1928 to 1939 cars.

Let's just say that we like our cars, and not try to hang silly labels on them.

Cabrio

How about this for a definition according to HMRC ---

  For years now I have been reading classic car magazines and have had great pleasure in doing so. May be I was lusting after a Jag or Porsche but I always wanted a classic . When I read the classic car magazines I get very frustrated then you do not see many BMWs, plenty of Fords and Fiats etc. Yes ok you see cars like 507s and the M cars. When I bought my Sport I felt that this must be a classic and while I was E30 Chairman did my best to get the E30 classic status. It should it have been on the front page of the classic car magazines at 25 years old. Yes Mike it is a label but if Fords deserve it then BMWs do. With any luck it will keep the prices up not so good if you are buying but good for us who already own a BMW. The Z8 and Z1 are in " Classic Car Magazine" price list I have listed these and added a guide to classic car status I pinched from Classic Car magazine some time ago. Perhaps we could all add our car to the guide it would make interesting reading.

   Car   Dealer Price  Mint    Average Rough
   Z1     17.5k            16k      11k        8k!!! Could you find a rough one?
   Z3      10k              8.25k    5k         3.25k
   Z8      70k              60k       47.5k    42.5!!  As the  Z1?

   

The Ten Steps To Classic Car Status	Car (Top mark 10 for each Section)	Reasons
1 It must have a prestige badge
2 It must have motor sport pedigree
3 It must aesthetically appealing
4 It must exclusive, though not to the point of uniqueness
5 It must have been desirable when new
6 It must have cultural significance
7 It must have design or engineering significance
8 It must have driving appeal
9 It must be good at what it’s supposed to do
10 It must be worth investing time or money in
Classic factor max 100

 

   RonZ

   
 


Edited by 325iRon - 02 Dec 2008 at 11:53am

Ron.The Z3 definitely fits into the Car Status list you give,without exception IMO. However,getting the Z3 being accepted officially as a true classic will be very difficult.
However,I do like Mike's idea about bringing back the "Post- vintage Thoroughbred" category which the Z3 fits into perfectly.To me the Z3 was a true thoroughbred when it left the factory,as it was not a collection of spares.Most BMs are,until they are messed with.
This should prompt discussion as to what exactly a thoroughbred is.