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Matthew Perry, a late star of the smash-hit television series Friends, loved his cars. From his many world-class convertibles to his luxury sedans, Perry had an obvious automotive affinity. However, the man behind the wise-cracking “transponster” Chandler Bing had a standout convertible roadster he shared with James Bond in his collection: a BMW Z8.

BMW has a long history of cool convertibles. From the iconic 507 Roadster to the latest B58-powered Z4s of today, the German automaker is no stranger to drop-top roadsters. However, one of the wildest BMW takes on sun-soaked motoring was the short-lived Z8, a V8-powered, retro-styled roadster. 

Perhaps it was the sonorous, naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine. Maybe it was the striking exterior styling. Whatever it was, the BMW Z8 was one of the convertibles that stole the attention of Friends star Matthew Perry.

2001 was a mid-cycle model year for the Z8, which ran from 1999 to 2003. During that time, the Bavarian automaker produced around 5,703 Z8s, per Stratstone. What’s more, about half of those unique convertibles came to American shores. As such, the BMW convertible was one of the rarer models in Mr. Perry’s collection. 

It should be said that the BMW Z8 isn’t without its controversy. Upon its release, critics blasted the BMW convertible for its high price (around $128,000 without accounting for inflation) and retro styling. As such, the Z8 wasn’t exactly the hit that the considerably cheaper Z3 and Z4 models were.

However, the Z8’s first model year, 1999 coincided with the release of the second-to-last Pierce Brosnan 007 film, The World Is Not Enough. In the film, James Bond (Brosnan) takes delivery of a Z8 from Desmond Llewelyn in his final performance as MI6’s quartermaster, Q. Of course, the BMW convertible in the 007 movie had concealed heat-seeking missiles. I doubt very much Matthew Perry had that option on his beloved 2001 model.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).