The curious story of a 1990 BMW Z1 that has 999,997 km on its odometer, although it has driven only 2 km in 33 years

A few days ago a BMW enthusiast and collector bought a bizarre BMW Z1 at an auction in France, which has 999,997 km on its odometer. Apparently, this would mean that the car has almost 1 million kilometers on it, but it doesn't. Being manufactured in 1990, the car has traveled only 1.9 km in its entire history!

The car was bought by driver Jens Winther, famous for his participation in the Le Mans races. The car was delivered to him on February 23, 1990. From then until today, this BMW has only been driven 2 times, with 2 owners, and the total distance traveled was less than 2 km. The big question, of course, is what would be the explanation for the figure of 999,997 km on the odometer. And the answer is as curious as can be.

It seems that at that time, on cars that had collector value, like this Z1, which was only produced in 8,000 units, BMW set the odometer at about 999,996 km from the factory, with the idea that the factory and dealers would cover the 3- 4 km in the stage of short tests and preparations for sale, so that the car is delivered to the customer with 000,000 km on board.

For unclear reasons, this example did not make the 3-4 km and was delivered with an odd number on the odometer to the Le Mans driver. And since he kept it practically stationary in the garage, the number on the odometer remained and became a curious element of this car. And it seems that the second owner didn't want to go too far with this BMW either, trying to keep the number on the odometer so that it doesn't reach 000,000 km.

Now, however, this car has been sold at auction and has been bought by a new owner, who paid 86,250 euros for it. Will this owner finally decide to go with it so that it passes 000,000 km and freely enjoy it further? Or will he also cover 1 km in 15 years, and sell it further for 999,998 km? It's hard to say, but if you choose not to go to 0, it means you have to keep this gorgeous BMW just as a museum piece, basically without being able to enjoy it.

And that would be a shame, sort of. However, the car is equipped with a 2.5 liter engine, with 6 cylinders in line. Even more legendary is its driving position and the famous retractable doors in the floor. A jewel of a BMW model, then, that will keep its owner in suspense. Now this car is the only one with such a figure on the odometer. If you travel even more than 3 km with it, its unique story is lost. Hard decision for a BMW fan, who paid 86 thousand for it!