This year marks four decades since BMW began its deep dive into the world of concept vehicles — a journey that would reshape its brand DNA and give birth to some of the most beloved roadsters in automotive history. It all began in 1985, when BMW’s management board greenlit the formation of a special division dubbed BMW Technik — a forward-thinking, semi-covert “think tank” tasked with imagining the future of BMW design and engineering. Their first mission? Create a car that would both challenge and inspire. The result was the BMW Z1 Concept, a machine that didn’t just start the Z Series — it redefined what a concept car could be.

At its core, the Z1 was an experiment. Built atop innovative ideas and unconventional thinking, it debuted BMW’s now-iconic “Z axle” suspension and featured lightweight, removable body panels made from a futuristic thermoplastic called Xenoy. In fact, the Z1 was so radically conceived that it originally wasn’t designed to have doors at all. When they did arrive, they weren’t hinged — they slid down into the bodywork, a signature quirk that helped cement the Z1’s place in automotive lore.

By August 1986, BMW Technik had a working prototype. Despite the Z1’s unorthodox engineering and design language, there was an undeniable allure to the car. With subtle nods to classics like the BMW 507 and 328, the Z1 struck a chord with enthusiasts and prospective buyers alike. The public wanted more than just a one-off concept — they wanted to own it. And that demand ultimately convinced BMW to make it a reality.

Behind the Z1’s whimsical doors and futuristic body, however, lay a much more serious mission. The Z1 was envisioned not just as a standalone sports car, but as a modular platform — a precursor to today’s flexible vehicle architectures. BMW Technik explored multiple derivatives: an off-road “Grasshopper” variant, a V12-powered F1-inspired Z1, and even an early take on what would eventually become the iconic Z3 M Coupe, affectionately known as the “clown shoe.” While most of these never saw the light of day, they underscore the Z1’s importance as a creative and technical sandbox for BMW engineers.

In August 1987, just over a year after the Z1’s debut, BMW officially announced that the Z1 Roadster would enter production. This was no small feat. The car’s exotic materials and assembly methods meant traditional manufacturing lines wouldn’t do. Instead, the Z1 was painstakingly hand-assembled, with production starting in 1988 at a rate of just six cars per day.

While the Z1’s production run was short-lived — ending in 1991 with just over 8,000 units built — its legacy looms large. Without it, there would be no Z3 M Roadster, no Z3 M Coupe, no Z4 M Roadster or Z4 M Coupe. Today’s Z4 M40i owes its spirit, and perhaps its very existence, to the car that started it all.

Forty years on, the Z1 remains a symbol of what happens when an automaker dares to ask, what if? It’s a testament to the power of innovation, of taking risks, and of listening to the enthusiasts who saw something truly special in that quirky roadster with doors that disappeared into the sills.

For a deeper dive into the Z1 and the hidden history of BMW Technik, Steve Saxty’s “BMW Behind the Scenes” offers an unparalleled look into the brand’s most daring projects — including never-before-seen photos and untold stories from the Z1’s development.

BMW’s future may lie in electrification and autonomy, but it’s worth remembering that it all began with a little roadster that refused to open its doors the normal way.

Source: BMW