This 1996 BMW Z3 James Bond Edition Just Sold—And the Price May Surprise You

BMW’s tie-in with GoldenEye is almost 30 years outdated, however the 1996 BMW Z3 James Bond Version nonetheless hits a nostalgic nerve—particularly when a well-preserved one reveals up at public sale. That’s precisely what occurred at Bonhams, the place chassis 4USCH7322TLE00766, Quantity 66 of 100, offered 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 automotive 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 satisfy 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 automotive that crossed the block is a powerful 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, after all—however the film connection was the entire level.

This one reveals simply 8,300 miles and comes with an unusually full historical past file, together with unique correspondence from Neiman Marcus to its first proprietor. It’s uncommon to see documentation this intact for a mid-’90s particular version. The automotive was not too long ago a part of Film Automobiles Central’s assortment, having been bought from a non-public proprietor in Connecticut. It retains its unique cellphone equipment, US title, and customs kind (846A). It hasn’t been used frequently, so the client ought to count on to deal with primary servicing earlier than placing it again on the street.

A Small however Essential BMW–Bond Artifact

The worth—€24,640—displays the place these vehicles sit right now: collectible, however nonetheless accessible. They aren’t screen-used hero vehicles, they usually weren’t filled with movie props. What they symbolize is a selected second when BMW vaulted itself into popular culture with a single product placement that labored higher than anybody anticipated.

Three a long time 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 photographs of the automotive at Bonhams.