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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

BMW Zagato Roadster

2012Coachwork by Zagato

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
2012
Body style
Roadster
Type
Concept
Production
1
Seats
2

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The BMW Zagato Roadster, created by the renowned Milanese atelier in just six weeks, is a stunning example of Italian design merging with the essence of classic roadsters. This masterpiece, designed by Norihiko Harada, draws heavily from the lines of its Coupé counterpart, blending the elegance of Italian craftsmanship with the adventurous spirit of American roadsters. One of the most striking features of the BMW Zagato Roadster is its absence of a roof and rear window, which results in a lower and sleeker profile compared to the Coupé. This design choice emphasizes the car’s sporty and aerodynamic character. Adding to its distinctive look are two unique roll-bars positioned behind the headrests. These roll-bars, covered in brown leather, stretch forward with an almost wing-like design, enhancing the car’s dynamic appearance. The iconic “double bubble” roofline, a hallmark of Zagato’s design language, is reinterpreted in the Roadster. This design element extends from the roll-bars to the end of the rear hood, creating a cohesive and fluid silhouette that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Roadster also boasts new five-spoke alloy wheels, specifically designed to evoke the profile of a propeller. This stylistic choice is a nod to the shared aeronautical heritage of both BMW and Zagato, highlighting their common history in the aviation industry. The BMW Zagato Roadster is a true testament to the innovative spirit and artistic collaboration between BMW and Zagato. Its unique design elements, from the absence of a roof to the reimagined double bubble and propeller-inspired wheels, set it apart as a remarkable and timeless piece of automotive art. This car not only captures the essence of a classic roadster but also represents the cutting-edge design and engineering prowess of two iconic brands.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
Concept

Engine & performance

Drive
Rear-wheel drive
Specification notes
TECH 2026-09-21 — BMW Group directly documents the Zagato Roadster as a two-seat, rear-wheel-drive, road-legal high-speed one-off. Exact engine displacement/output remains blank because the official Zagato release does not publish a unique powertrain specification.

Dimensions & accommodation

Seats
2

Design & manufacture

Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
Zagato
Designer · Documented
Norihiko Harada
Manufacturer · Documented
BMW

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
BMW Group PressClub – BMW Zagato Roadster 2012 www.press.bmwgroup.com Manufacturer press release

THE CONVERSATION

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