Z8-based Alpina V8 Roadster just set a world record price at almost $500,000 in Japan

The Alpina V8 Roadster, based on the iconic BMW Z8, has just rewritten the collector car record books in Japan.

One of only 555 examples ever built, the rare two-seater sold for nearly half a million dollars at auction, proving old-school driver’s cars still command serious money.

The sale took place during the first BH Auction of the year at Tokyo Auto Salon, one of the most high-profile automotive gatherings in the world.

In an era dominated by EVs and software updates, this analog Alpina made a very loud statement.

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The Alpina V8 Roadster was highly exclusive

The BMW Z8 was already a low-production halo car, with a production run of approximately 5,700 units.

The Alpina V8 Roadster, however, was limited to just 555 units worldwide, as a more relaxed, grand touring alternative to the BMW Z8.

Rather than using BMW M’s high-strung 4.9-liter S62 V8, Alpina opted for a specially tuned naturally aspirated M62-based 4.8-liter V8.

The result was 376 horsepower and a healthier 383 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque, favoring low-end pull and refinement over outright aggression.

Despite the engine change, performance remained very respectable.

The Alpina V8 Roadster could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 162 mph.

Power was sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed ZF automatic transmission, complete with Alpina’s Switch-Tronic buttons mounted on a unique three-spoke steering wheel.

Visually, the Roadster stood apart with signature Alpina 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, replacing the Z8’s original 18-inch runflat-equipped rims.

Ventilated brake discs at all four corners handled stopping duties, while the cabin featured softer Nappa leather, Alpina Blue instrumentation, and bespoke trim details.

When new, the Alpina V8 Roadster carried a higher price tag than the standard Z8, reportedly costing around €150,000 ($174,000), depending on market and specification.

At the Tokyo auction, this particular example sold for ¥78,810,000 ($498,387), making it the most expensive Alpina V8 Roadster ever sold publicly.

The demand for analog cars remain strong

The auction also demonstrated strong demand for Japanese performance icons.

The headline JDM sale was a Tommykaira R-Z GT-R, based on the R34 Skyline GT-R V-spec, which achieved ¥98.35 million ($618,000).

Powered by a heavily re-engineered 530-horsepower RB26DETT engine, the car delivered performance worthy of its legendary status.

Bilstein suspension, magnesium PRO R wheels, and AP Racing brakes completed the package, firmly placing it at the pinnacle of 1990s Japanese tuning culture.

Only 11 R-Z examples were ever built.

Additional highlights included a Porsche 964 N/GT at ¥37.29 million ($236,200), an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione at ¥46.07 million ($291,900), and a Ferrari 365 GT4 BB once owned by Jay Kay, which sold for ¥77.7 million ($492,200).

Together, the results underscore a growing appetite for low-mileage, analog driver’s cars.

It’s proof that in an era of electrification and autonomy, mechanical character still carries enormous value.

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