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Whilst the 6 Series made its debut, engineers were secretly working on the development of a distinctive BMW sports car, which caused a worldwide sensation in 1978: The BMW M1. This high-performance coupé was the first product to be made by the BMW Motorsport GmbH. In 1979, the M1 was presented as part of the ProCar Series, which had been especially created for this car, within the framework of Formula 1 racing throughout Europe.

The mid-engined car was powered by a big straight-six engine displacing 3.5 litres. The purchasable road version’s power unit, which was longitudinally mounted in front of the rear axle, conveyed maximum power of 277 bhp to the rear axle. Even at a standstill, the M1 exuded an air of superior dynamics. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) came in less than 6 seconds, the sprint from 0–200 km/h (0–124 mph) took a mere 20 seconds, these being acceleration rates only reached by a handful of automobiles world-wide at that time. The suspension, the layout of which had been adapted to the requirements of the Group 4 M1 delivering 470 mph, easily coped with the deceleration, acceleration and lateral acceleration rates that are standard in racing.

Although the M1 was a sports car par excellence, the driver and the co-driver did not forgo the benefit of comfortable motoring. It is true that the springs featured by the suspension were rather firm but the suspension’s absorption qualities on bumpy roads were high enough to prevent excessive strain on the passengers. The passengers were very well protected inside the tubular space frame made of square steel profiles with a bonded and riveted plastic body shell.

Torsional resistance was exemplary. In the boot underneath the front lid there was enough room to store the luggage needed by two persons for a weekend trip. Passengers were even in a position to enjoy the advantages of automatic climate control.

Story by BMW

Chassis & Sales

1980 BMW M1 - sold for $91,000 This left-hand drive M1’s first owner (in the USA) purchased the car from Motorcar Gallery of Fort Lauderdale, Florida on 28th December 1990 at which time the odometer read 5,859 miles. The present (second US) owner purchased it in November 2000 at 11,747 miles, while the current reading is 13,009. This M1’s already superlative specification has been improved upon by Dinan Cars of Morgan Hill, California - North America’s foremost BMW performa... more
Gallery: 2006 Monterey Preview

1979 BMW M1 - sold for €129,734 The model presented, in a stunning red colour, was acquired by the current owner on 18 April 2007 at a Hervé Poulain auction at the Palais des Congrès. After it was purchased, the engine needed repairing, which was done by the excellent BMW specialist workshop, BM92 JCB, at a total cost of €30,514.47 (invoice dated 17 April 2009). Its interior is covered in the classic black and white fabric characteristic of the M1 series. It has 24,600 km on... more
Gallery: 2011 Salon Rétromobile Aucion by Artcurial

1980 BMW M1 Ahg - sold for $155,000 The M1 was a limited production car with only 455 built from 1979 to 1981. This car is 1 of 10 that received the AHG package. The AHG/BMW Motorsports Division president Peter Gartemann list the modifications as follows: The 3.5 Liter 277 HP was upgraded to 350 HP, Racing clutch, Special exhaust, Front spoiler, wider front and rear fenders, Side skirts, special rear wing, Adjustable height racing, suspension, 3 piece BBS wheels, Full leather se... more
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum

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