The BMW Z1 is a curiosity, even among enthusiasts. Ultimately, a product of the Cabalistic BMW Technik Group, a small team that gathered in the 1980s for the production of concept cars, the original Z1 produced a variety of other vehicles. The most famous is the clown shoe, but as it turned out, an entire family of Z-cars were planned, including an off-road coupé, limousine and crossover SUV models. And while we have treated a handful of Z concepts individually in the past, there is another more special one who has recently come to light thanks to Steve Saxty’s book. BMWS hidden gemstones. A formula -1 engine under the bonnet and significant changes to the body would have made this concept Z1 in Pikes highlight -where it would have been intended for the race in 1988, a real threat.
At that time Z1 F1 went
The emergence of the idea was simple: Harm Lagaaij, chief designer for BMW technology, began working with the BMW Motorsport Division on a completely independent project. He then realized that motorsport had a 1.5-liter turbo engine-a that Lagaaij Rights would fit perfectly into a Z1. According to Lagaaij, he was “crazy” and suggested a Z1 -HillClimb car for Pikes Peak. Technology began with work, starting with sketches and finally a 1.25: 1 scale model, which represented the jet-like F1 Z1, which appealed much more aggressive.
Compared to the Z1, which we know today, the Pike Peak version has increased wider air inlets at the front to cool down the high F1 engine. The then turbuilable M12 engine was good for up to 1,000 hp (750 kW), which made it well suited to carry the imposing mountain side on the Pikes Peak. But only changing the front apron was not near to do the Pikes Peak Z1 everything it could be. Technology did the passenger door and the seating area and made the Z1 a single -seater.
The 1.5 liter was sitting next to the driver, and the enormous current and the location of the engine required a wider body, a huge rear wing for additional downforce and additional air intake behind it where the passenger would normally sit. Under the bonnet – which was decorated for the air flow in bonnet shovels, you have a mess of radiators to keep the power plant cool under all conditions. Behind the driver’s seat was a rollover bar that doubled as a spoiler.
Unfortunately, the scaling model is so far that the F1-at-driven Z1 has ever made it. The technology team did not lose long after Lagaaij had the first brain wave at the end of 1988. Z1 work officially completed at the same time, which coincided with Lagaaij, who left the team and returned to Porsche.
[Photos provided by Steve Saxty]
