1991 BMW ALPINA Roadster Limited Edition
ENGINE: 2.7 L C2/6 Inline Six-Cylinder (BMW M20B27) 193 LB-FT at 4,900 RPM
TRANSMISSION: Manual 5-speed
CURB WEIGHT: 2,910 LBS.
TOP SPEED: 143 MPH
PRICE WHEN NEW: 101.750 Mark ($30,833)
NUMBER BUILT: 66
COLOR: Toprot
OWNER: Dirk De Groen
OWNED SINCE: 2021
LOCATION: Coral Gables, Florida
Between July 1990 and September 1991, 66 BMW ALPINA Roadster Limited Edition (RLE) units were produced based on the BMW Z1. The Z signifies Zukunft (future) as it was developed as a research vehicle by BMW Technik GmbH. A total of 8,000 Z1s were produced, 66 of which were converted by Alpina, making it among the rarest Alpina models ever made. According to Dirk’s research, there are only three RLEs in the United States.
When building the RLE, Alpina replaced the 2.5 liter 168 hp BMW engine from the Z1 with a 2.7 liter Alpina engine delivering 200 hp and 193 lb-ft (261 Nm) of torque, making the roadster noticeably more responsive. Alpina left the Z1’s rear suspension unchanged but did shorten the fronts springs. Alpina also installed their 20-spoke wheels and a deco-set. The individual build number of each RLE can be found in the emblems of the hand-stitched leather steering wheel, the gear knob and the hub caps, as well as on the exclusive type plate fitted in the interior and on the hand-engraved key fob, both of which are made of solid silver.
Dirk’s RLE, numbered 28, was one of the 33 RLEs sold new in Japan and found its way to the United States in 2014 when it was imported by a well-known San Francisco-based collector. In 2021, Dirk was fortunate to add this RLE – which has covered a modest 35,500 kilometers (22,000 miles) – to his BMW and Alpina roadster collection, comprised of the prewar 315/1 and 328, a 507, a Z3 M, and a Z8 Alpina Roadster V8. The RLE delivers true roadster driving pleasure as it can be driving with the doors retracted in the sills.
Check out the ALPINA merchandise in our online giftshop.
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Museum hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm | Saturday 10am – 4pm
(Last admission is an hour before closing each day)
Ticket prices are Adults 18+: $12, Youth 6-17: $6, Children 5 & under: Free
The Ultimate Driving Museum is located at 190 Manatee Court, Greer, SC 29651
www.theultimatedrivingmuseum.org | 864.329.1919
The ALPINA: 60 Years of Excellence exhibit is proudly sponsored by the following:
