28 Mar 08
BMW Z1 (1988-1991)
Doors. Generally, you need them on motor cars. However, if you are a car designer that does anything different from the usual 'swing open' arrangement then you are considered a genius. Lamborghini got praise for its scissor doors and DeLorean's gullwing apertures captured the imagination. Then there were the Z1's doors...
Genius.
Instead of opening in the traditional tried-and-tested way, the doors sunk seductively downwards in a graceful motion. As a result door-down driving was de rigueur, particularly in glamorous places such as the French Riviera.
Doors aside, the Z1 was a test bed for BMW to experiment with high-tech materials. Instead of the usual steel monocoque, it made do with external plastic body panels that would resist rust and bounce back into shape after minor collisions. Unfortunately these space-age materials took their toll on the scales. Rumour has it, it was heavier and slower than the substantially cheaper, but less exotic 3-Series coupe.
Assets
Those vertical sliding doors, exotic looks.
Drawbacks
Doors weren't actually the future. They were too heavy.
Verdict
BMW Z1 was a fine roadster blighted by overly complex doors. Sorry, we got stuck on a 'door' theme here.
