Matthew Perry Left Behind a Jewel of a BMW Roadster
In this article:
To the shock and dismay of fans everywhere, beloved actor and celebrity Matthew Perry died at his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023. What’s more, the ‘Friends’ star left behind quite the car collection. However, the most noteworthy ride in the Matthew Perry collection is a striking BMW Z8, a German roadster with effortless appeal.
What kind of cars did Matthew Perry drive?
Matthew Perry was quite the car enthusiast, with at least eight cars in his collection. In addition to his cherished 2001 BMW Z8, Perry owned several noteworthy rides.
- 2003 BMW 7 Series
- 2015 BMW 6 Series Convertible
- 2017 Audi R8 Spyder
- 2014 Aston Martin Vantage
- 2023 Porsche Taycan 4S
- 2014 Porsche Panamera
- 2020 Lincoln Navigator
Of course, even with a stunning Audi R8 Spyder and a drop-top Aston Martin Vantage, Perry’s Z8 steals the show. From launching heat-seeking missiles in the 1999 James Bond film “The World Is Not Enough” to ferrying Perry around Southern California, the Z8 is one of the last words in convertible cool.
Matthew Perry had a standout roadster in his collection: a BMW Z8
Perry’s 2001 BMW Z8 followed a spectacular roadster formula: V8 engine up front, soft-top overhead, and an artfully appointed interior. The ‘Friends’ star undoubtedly fell in love with the BMW roadster inside and out, as the Z8 is one of the first show-stopping cars he added to his collection.
We can’t fault him for falling for the Z8; it’s a charming proposition. Up front is a 394-horsepower 5.0L V8 engine. Better yet, fans of spirited driving could opt for a six-speed manual transmission to tame the Bimmer’s eight-cylinder heart. Moreover, the BMW was refined for its time. It rode on an aluminum space frame and wore aluminum body panels. As a result, the Z8 tipped the scales at just 3,494 lbs, a welcome weight to pair with a muscular V8.
However, the heart of the Z8’s charming driving experience resides in its distinctly retro, artistic cockpit. Still, even with a handsome array of center-mounted gauges and a classically styled steering wheel, the Z8’s looks are controversial. Critics pointed out the same perennial complaints that retro-styled vehicles are more style than substance. Not only is that not the case for the Z8, it’s a sad objection.
Unfortunately, Perry’s Z8 wasn’t without some drama
While Matthew Perry clearly loved his 2001 BMW Z8 Roadster, it wasn’t a drama-free relationship. According to ABC News, a 75-year-old woman ran a stop sign and crashed into Perry’s Z8. Fortunately, neither Perry nor the other driver sustained any injuries.
Still, reports suggest that the Z8 was severely damaged in the accident. However, despite the unfortunate issue and damage, the BMW is a centerpiece in Perry’s collection.
Is the Z8 rare?
The BMW Z8 Roadster is rare and, consequently, expensive. In its five-year run, BMW produced just 5,703 Z8s, and less than half of those cars headed to North America. As a result, Matthew Perry had a genuine bit of Bimmer history.
Still, if you want a Z8 like Perry’s, it won’t come cheap. The average value of a Z8 is $209,184, around $80,000 more than its MSRP in 1999.
Keep up with MotorBiscuit for the latest automotive content!
