1981 BMW M1 Coupe
The BMW M1 is a legendary sports car that left a lasting mark on the automotive world during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Born from BMW’s ambition to compete in the World Sports Car Championship’s Group 5 ‘Silhouette Formula’, the M1 was a groundbreaking collaboration between BMW and top Italian specialists.
The project, internally known as the E26, was started with the goal of challenging Porsche’s dominance and achieving victory at Le Mans.
The M1’s design was created by Frenchman Paul Bracq, while Lamborghini was initially contracted to build the car. However, the project was ultimately taken over by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s Ital Design.
The M1’s construction was a true testament to European craftsmanship and engineering. The fiberglass body, built by composite specialist T.I.R., was mounted on a multi-tubular space frame chassis.
At the heart of the M1 was a magnificent 3,453cc DOHC inline six engine, developed by BMW’s Motorsports division. Equipped with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, the engine produced an impressive 277 HP at 6,500 RPM.
Power was transmitted to the ground through a 5-speed ZF transaxle, while the suspension, developed by Lamborghini’s Gian Paolo Dallara, featured unequal-length wishbones at both the front and rear.
The M1’s sleek, wedge-shaped design was a masterpiece of aerodynamic efficiency, requiring minimal additional spoilers and wings even in race configuration.
Inside, the M1 was exceptionally well-appointed for a sports car, boasting Recaro seats in leather with fabric inserts, air conditioning, electric windows, remotely operated door mirrors, and a heated rear screen.
Unveiled at the 1978 Paris Motor Show, the road-going M1 boasted a top speed of 160 MPH. Despite the cancellation of the Group 5 Silhouette Formula, which had been the car’s original goal, production continued.
BMW Motorsport found solace in the M1-only Procar Series, which ran at Grand Prix races in 1980 and 1981, providing a valuable showcase for the car.
In total, 453 M1s were built, fulfilling the homologation requirement of 400 units for racing. Production ended with 399 road cars and 54 Procars, cementing the M1’s status as a rare and exclusive machine.
Today, the BMW M1 remains a highly sought-after collector’s item, revered for its unique blend of Italian styling and German engineering. With fewer than 7,600 miles on the clock, the M1 featured here is a pristine example of one of the most iconic sports cars of the 1980s, a true legend that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
