8. BMW Z8

Starred in:

The World Is Not Enough (1999, Pierce Brosnan) — $146.2 million*

Called into action at a caviar factory, this retro roadster flaunts its remote-control capabilities and deploys a missile to take out a helicopter. Alas, it gets cut in half when another helicopter armed with circular saws tears into it.

Bond hears a rundown of the Z8’s myriad special features earlier in the film, but only manages to use some of them before the car’s demise.

No need to dwell on its sad ending, though. This is one vehicle that goes on to far greater glory off-screen.

2000 BMW Z8 shown with optional removable hardtop

+ enlarge image

The Z8 — rare, bold and captivating — elicited an impassioned response from both Bond fans and car lovers. The retro styling is based on the legendary BMW 507, which is regarded by many industry experts as one of the most beautiful cars of all time. Some see the Z8 as an odd mishmash of old and new. To such critics, the 507 was perfect, making any attempt to recreate its success a blasphemy akin to trying to repaint the Mona Lisa. Others hail the Z8 as a stunning homage and an instant classic in its own right.

It is inarguably luxurious, with an artistic interior and a 400-hp V8 singing a low tenor through its tailpipes.

The Gadgets:

Did You Know …

• The actual Z8 was not ready in time for filming, so a mock version had to be used instead.

• Also meant to be featured in the film, the then-BMW Rover 75 reportedly ended up on the cutting-room floor.

• Bond’s Z8 is silver with a black leather interior.