The BMW Z8 owned by late Apple founder, Steve Jobs, is headed to auction in New York.
Built on April 1, 2000, this Z8 roadster was the 85th example to be registered in the USA, and the 67th car to find its way onto a North American driveway. It’s still accompanied by service receipts, along with its ‘pink slip’ registration sheet complete with Jobs’ signature.
Although that sounds like a given, RM Sotheby’s – auctioneer for the car – says Jobs would often leave his cars unregistered to protect his anonymity. The car was sold in 2003, and again in September 2004, before the second owner (who bought the car in ’03) contacted the car’s custodian and begged for it back. The third owner relented, handing over the keys in 2006.
When new, the car was worth US$128,000 ($170,000), and fewer than 6000 were built. The Henrik Fisker-designed exterior was inspired by the 507 roadster, while the ornate interior was equal parts classic BMW and minimalist modern artwork. Compared to most BMW cabins of the time, it looks absolutely stunning.
As it stands at the auction, the JOBS Z8 has covered 24,462km and, according to the auction house, has a full service history.
Along with the hardtop (and requisite stand, naturally) and car cover, the owners and service manuals, two keys, navigation CD and BMW-branded Motorola flip phone that came with the car are all included.
Jobs reportedly hated the Motorola phone with a burning passion, but it’s turned into a selling point 17 years later.
The Z8 wasn’t the only German car to catch Jobs’ eye. He was a big fan of the Mercedes SL, and owned a number of BMW motorbikes as well.
RM Sotheby’s is expecting the car, which is being offered without a reserve, to sell for between US$300,000 and $400,000 ($390,000 to $520,300) when it goes under the hammer in New York on December 6. It’ll be sold alongside legends like the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing and Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione as part of the RM Sotheby’s ‘Icons’ auction.
MORE: BMW Z8 news
MORE: Everything BMW
0 Response to "BMW Z8 owned by Steve Jobs expected to fetch $520k at auction"
Post a Comment