Nigel and Donna Hewart – 1998 BMW Z3 2.8

This classy and capable two-seater makes for an excellent modern classic, and the superb example you see here is fitted with the smooth and powerful 2.8-litre straight-six engine. It’s a fine-looking car that receives plenty of attention out on the road.

“Back in 2017 I was working at a local garage and this car arrived as a part-exchange. The combination of Boston Green paintwork and 2.8 engine was just what my wife and I wanted so we couldn’t resist snapping it up.”

It was the perfect drop-top to enjoy on weekend drives and for attending local classic car shows, and it was soon treated to a thorough overhaul of the braking system along with a full engine service. It’s exactly the sort of careful maintenance that a car like this deserves, and demonstrates how much Nigel and Donna appreciate their lovely BMW.

And in their ownership there’s been plenty more work that has included some renovation of the bodywork. In 2020 the Z3 received new outer sills, front lower panels, replacement wheels and a full re-paint. Not that the mechanicals were ignored as a new clutch and stainless steel exhaust system have been added, too.

The result of all the attention lavished on it is a car that is always admired by enthusiasts, with Nigel saying that the colour looks amazing in the sun. “It’s not in concours condition but a classic we can just enjoy whenever we can.” We think it looks great, and is sure to be popular with visitors to the show.

Launched in 1995 and assembled at BMW’s factory in America, the Z3 quickly proved a hit with style-conscious buyers and it remained in production until 2002. Powerful ‘M’ models added further appeal, as did a coupe version from 1998.