BMW · BMW Z1 · Cars
BMW Z1 Rare
As of 2026 Q1, 112 BMW Z1s remain registered in the UK — a genuinely rare sight on today's roads. That's down from a peak of 119 in 2015 Q4 — only 94% of the high-water mark, a loss of about 7 cars. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 4 (3.7%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 64% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up. In all, the BMW Z1 is rarer than 58% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (112 in the latest data).
Rarer than 58% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Trend
About the Z1
The BMW Z1 is a sports car which was produced in limited numbers by German manufacturer BMW from 1989 to 1991. It is the first model in BMW's line of Z series roadsters (two-seater convertibles). The Z1 is unique for its plastic body panels and vertically sliding doors which drop into the door sills. It is one of the first BMWs to use a multi-link rear suspension. The sole drivetrain specification is the 2.5-litre straight-six engine and 5-speed manual transmission from the E30 325i. In 1995, the Z1's successor, the mass-produced Z3, began production.
BMW Z1 — questions & answers
How many BMW Z1 are left in the UK?
As of 2026 Q1, 112 BMW Z1 were still registered in the UK — 40 licensed and on the road, plus 72 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the BMW Z1 rare?
The BMW Z1 is rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (112), making it rarer than 58% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Is the BMW Z1 increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of BMW Z1 on UK roads rose by 4 (3.7%).
What fuel do most BMW Z1 use?
Most BMW Z1 run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the BMW Z1 peak?
The BMW Z1 peaked at 119 registered in 2015 Q4, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.