BMW’s tie-in with GoldenEye is sort of 30 years outdated, however the 1996 BMW Z3 James Bond Version nonetheless hits a nostalgic nerve—particularly when a well-preserved one exhibits up at public sale. That’s precisely what occurred at Bonhams, the place chassis 4USCH7322TLE00766, Quantity 66 of 100, bought for €24,640 together with premium.
This was extra than simply one other limited-run Z3. It marked the primary time a brand new manufacturing automobile was launched to the general public by means of a significant movie. When Pierce Brosnan slid behind the wheel in GoldenEye, it immediately put BMW’s new roadster on the worldwide stage.
Neiman Marcus seized the second, providing an unique “James Bond Version” in its 1995 Christmas catalogue. The plan was to promote 50. They disappeared inside days, forcing BMW to approve one other 50 to fulfill demand. The result’s a brief manufacturing run of 100 vehicles—one of many smallest particular editions in BMW’s trendy historical past.
Quantity 66: A Clear, Low-Mileage Instance
The automobile that crossed the block is a robust instance of what made this version particular. All James Bond Z3s have been completed in Atlantic Blue Metallic with a Saddle leather-based inside, and fitted with “007” badging, numbered plaques, and commemorative trim items. Bond devices weren’t included, in fact—however the film connection was the entire level.
This one exhibits simply 8,300 miles and comes with an unusually full historical past file, together with authentic correspondence from Neiman Marcus to its first proprietor. It’s uncommon to see documentation this intact for a mid-’90s particular version. The automobile was not too long ago a part of Film Automobiles Central’s assortment, having been bought from a personal proprietor in Connecticut. It retains its authentic telephone equipment, US title, and customs type (846A). It hasn’t been used recurrently, so the customer ought to anticipate to deal with fundamental servicing earlier than placing it again on the street.
A Small however Vital BMW–Bond Artifact
The worth—€24,640—displays the place these vehicles sit immediately: collectible, however nonetheless accessible. They aren’t screen-used hero vehicles, they usually weren’t filled with movie props. What they signify is a selected second when BMW vaulted itself into popular culture with a single product placement that labored higher than anybody anticipated.
Three many years later, the James Bond Z3 stays a unusual, cool chapter in BMW’s historical past. And clear, low-mileage examples like Quantity 66 aren’t getting any simpler to search out. You possibly can see images of the automobile at Bonhams.
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