From classics to exotics, there is plenty to celebrate during 2016 Monterey Car Week, and BMW is throwing its own 100th anniversary party of sorts.
The German automaker is celebrating this milestone with a large display of one of the more unanimously popular cars from its history: the BMW Z8. And some would say there’s no better way to do it.
A star attraction in the Bond film: , the Z8 is a total bombshell of a car. Designed by Henrik Fisker and inspired by the BMW 507, the car hit the market in 1999 and was sold until 2004.
2016 Monterey Car Week Coverage
Starting at well over $100,000, the Z8 had supercar performance numbers: zero-to-60 in 4.2 seconds with the top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. This was achieved through the use of a M5-derived 4.9-liter V8 that made 400 horsepower. That engine was mounted far back enough in the engine bay to maintain a 50/50 weight distribution. This wasn’t a particularly heavy car either, weighing in at around 3,500 pounds.
Only 5,703 Z8s were ever sold and this collection at The Quail has to be one of the biggest gatherings of them. There’s easily two dozen U.S.-spec models on display and each in immaculate condition. Take a look through our gallery and try to pick out your favorite.