Vehicle Description
Chassis No. WBAEJ13413AH62341
Inspired by the timeless Albrecht von Goertz-designed 507 of 1956,
BMW's Z8 model of some four decades later represented both a worthy
successor to its illustrious forebear and arguably the pinnacle of
late 1990s retro-inspired car design. With production of the Z8
completed by November 2002, the Z8 was soon followed by the Alpina
Roadster V8 in 2003 which was yet another successful collaboration
between BMW and legendary tuning shop Alpina. A departure from the
sporting focus of the original car, Alpina sought to accentuate the
natural grand touring elements of the Z8 such as replacing the
original six-speed manual with a five-speed automatic transmission
and fitting an Alpina-tuned "M62" BMW V8 engine before refining a
suspension system noted to be more comfortable and better suited
for grand touring. Crucial to both the improved ride quality and
tremendous curb appeal, the standard run-flat tires were discarded
in favor of conventional tires mounted on beautiful twenty-inch
Alpina light alloy wheels.
Producing 375 horsepower, the Alpina Roadster features a refined
powerband perfectly suited for GT driving. In fact, the Alpina Z8
develops more torque with 384 lb-ft, but also crucially achieves
peak torque at a significantly lower rpm than the standard motor.
In addition to the driving enhancements made by Alpina, the
interior was also upgraded with a softer grade of Nappa leather and
equipped with special Alpina gauges and three-spoke Alpina steering
wheel retrofitted with paddle shifters to control the automatic
transmission not found in the standard car.
One of 555 units produced worldwide, this example is finished in a
striking specification of Jet Black over a Crema and Black Nappa
leather interior with a matching painted hardtop. Complete with
numerous luxurious appointments as standard equipment, this Alpina
Roadster comes with a Harman Kardon sound system, heated
power-adjustable sport seats, Xenon headlights, along with an
optional cupholder, plus a Motorola car phone. While immediately
recognizable due to the iconic twenty-inch Alpina wheels, a special
plaque in the interior identifying this example as number 382 of
only 555 units along with Alpina script on the seats and exterior
badging make these models highly distinguishable from their BMW Z8
brethren.
Offered with only 6,938 miles at the time of cataloging, this
example was delivered new to Daytona Beach, Florida according to
the accompanying clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report which also
indicates the original owner would keep the vehicle for over six
years while periodically servicing it at Fields BMW of Daytona
Beach, Florida. After being acquired by the second and most recent
registered owner, this Alpina Roadster V8 would spend an additional
thirteen years in Florida with consistent servicing shown at Fields
BMW in Winter Park, Florida. Offered with its original books and
tools in addition to the hardtop, a car cover, and window sticker,
this two-owner Alpina Roadster V8 features low-mileage and
consistent service history forming an attractive prospect for any
BMW or Alpina enthusiast.
