The M1 was conceived as a way for BMW to compete in FIA Group 4 sports car racing, which was then dominated by Porsche’s turbocharged 911. With 400 homologation units necessary, the M1 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and his team at Italdesign, with a mid-engine, tube-frame chassis developed by Lamborghini. Inspired by the 1972 BMW Turbo concept, the M1’s fiberglass aerodynamic wedge shape was more Italian than Teutonic, but it retained BMW’s iconic “twin-kidney” grilles. The car featured a driver-focused interior, unique Campagnolo wheels, and was powered by a sublime 3.5-liter engine derived from the legendary 3.0 CSL. With a 24-valve cylinder head and Bosch Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, the engine made a substantial 277 hp and was mated to a fantastic five-speed ZF transaxle, propelling the M1 to a top speed of 162 mph. In total, just 399 road cars were built in approximately two years, with a further 53 produced as M1 Procar racers for a single-model series run in conjunction with F1 Grand Prix races.

This fantastic 1980 M1 is finished in the vibrant and era-evoking shade of Inka Orange, one of the most famous of all BMW colors, and features a black interior. Rare in this condition, the M1 appears to never have received a comprehensive restoration, retaining a lovely and inviting patina. In 2012, the BMW was acquired by a discerning New York-based collector of sports cars, who had purchased it from an enthusiast in Georgia. At the time of cataloguing, the M1 displayed approximately 34,500 km on its odometer, or about 21,500 miles. The car is accompanied at auction by a tool roll, medical kit, roadside safety equipment, and spare tire, and its interior features an original Becker Mexico casette radio. The M1’s front trunk contains its fuse box – branded with BMW’s signature roundel logo – along with a red factory safety sticker. As many M1s have been restored over the years, finding another example with such a charming and authentic character would be quite difficult, especially in such an iconic color.

The M1’s pioneering combination of Italian design and German engineering makes it one of the rarest and most desirable road cars from BMW’s storied past, celebrated for its performance, handling, and motorsport heritage. As these cars have seen a resurgence of popularity in the last decade, most examples have found themselves in prominent collections.

Rarely seen in such charismatic unrestored condition, this M1 represents a remarkable opportunity for the discerning collector seeking one of BMW’s most significant and collectible models. This limited-production BMW invites your closest inspection and deserves consideration from any fan of landmark 1980s supercars.