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1981 BMW M1

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BMW M1 - 1981 - Thumbnail Picture 08ALH293117142A

BMW M1 - 1981 - Thumbnail Picture 08ALH293117142B

BMW M1 - 1981 - Thumbnail Picture 08ALH293117142C

1981 BMW M1

Source: RM Auctions
Ontario, Canada
portfolio | web site
Posted: 22 Jan 2008

Specs & Details

Exterior Color: red
Interior Color: black
Engine: 6
Transmission: manual
Sold For: $125,000

Specifications: 277bhp, 3,453 cc, Type M88/1 twin-cam six-cylinder engine with Kugelfischer-Bosch mechanical fuel injection and Magnetti Marelli ignition, five-speed ZF gearbox, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel vented disc brakes. Wheelbase: 100.8"

The M1 is, without a doubt, the most exotic BMW street car ever built. Essentially a homologation special, the M1 was a limited production, virtually hand built car with a tube frame utilizing state-of-the-art technology. Unlike many "supercars" the street car was derived from the race car and not the other way around. The road-going M1 was built upon the race-spec Group 4 chassis and, although it received a softer suspension, was fitted with unequal length lateral links, alloy uprights, concentric coil springs, and anti-roll bars front and rear.

The 24-valve, fuel injected 277 horsepower engine facilitated top speeds of 163 miles per hour and sub six second zero-to-sixty times, thanks in part to the M1's excellent power-to-weight ratio. Designed by ITAL Design's Giugiaro, the M1's slick lines and distinctive shape made it instantly recognizable. Just 456 examples were built, making it one of the rarest of the European supercars. What's more, it continues to be the only mid-engined BMW ever made.

The pristine example on offer is believed to have been imported into the United States in 1990. The car was eventually owned by collectors in Edmonton, Alberta before being sold in August 2007, having seen very limited road use. Currently, the car shows just over 15,000 miles and recently participated in several shows.

As presented, the car is original with the exception of the radio, tires, and paint. It is described as being semi-unrestored, although it has had a complete repaint with more recent corrosion repair. The wheels have been restored and all the windows, seals, and gaskets were replaced late in 2007. As supported by documentation, concurrent and extensive mechanical work was conducted and included engine tuning and service, brake component rebuilding, and a fluid and electrical service.

Overall, the quality of the paint is excellent with only a few relatively minor imperfections apparent. The interior, meanwhile, is virtually free of any signs of wear and, as with the engine bay, remains in excellent condition. In addition to an original spare wheel, the car is also accompanied by a reprint of the factory M1 service manual.

With limited actual mileage, this M1 is presented remains in remarkable original condition. It is a superb driver and, fitted with the original, Porsche-pounding "M" engine, is truly the car that started it all for BMW. (In Schnitzer race trim, the same straight-six produced 950 horsepower with twin turbochargers!) As the predecessor to the infamous "M" cars, it affords the enthusiast outstanding balance, handling, and responsiveness as well as a direct link to BMW's glorious racing history, street-ready while yearning for the track.

From Twitter

05/11/2013 - over40nkillinit - link
This is hot...The BMW M1 (E26) is a sports car that was produced by German automaker BMW from 1978 to 1981.

05/08/2013 - Tanvyyr - link
1:32 FLY BMW M1 LE MANS 1981 "VSD" MINT/BOXED

04/24/2013 - RacingModels - link - photo
The BMW Italie France BMW M1 as raced to 16th place at Le Mans 1981

04/01/2013 - iamjackstwits - link
I liked a @YouTube video from @iamjackstwits Forza 4 SvS 1981 BMW M1 vs 1982 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3

04/01/2013 - DinosaurMax - link
I liked a @YouTube video from @iamjackstwits Forza 4 SvS 1981 BMW M1 vs 1982 Porsche 911 Tubro 3.3

2009 BMW M1 - Camouflaged Coupe Left on the Street

1978 BMW M1 to be Raced Again at Hockenheim

From YouTube

From Wikipedia

The BMW M1 (E26) is a sports car that was produced by German automaker BMW from 1978 to 1981. In the late 1970s, Italian manufacturer Lamborghini entered into an agreement with BMW to build a production racing car in sufficient quantity for homologation. The result was sold to the public, from 1978 to 1981, as the BMW M1. It was the only mid-engined BMW to be mass produced. It employed a twin-cam M88/1 3.5 L 6-cylinder petrol engine with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection.