Vehicle Description
One of 399, Rare Atlantic Blue, Exceptionally Well Serviced
The BMW M1's existence originates from the need for a production
based car for a proposed Group 5 'Silhouette Formula' to compete in
the World Sports Car Championship. The mid-engined concept car was
designed in-house by Frenchman Paul Bracq. Ex-racing driver Jochen
Neerpasch was responsible for initiating this ambitious project
which was intended to take on rivals Porsche and hopefully yield a
victory at Le Mans.
Internally dubbed the E26, the M1's development was a cooperative
effort with top Italian specialists. Lamborghini was initially
contracted to build the car but Giorgetto Giugiaro's Ital Design
ultimately took over the project. The coach assembly was performed
at Ital Design featuring a fiberglass body built by composite
specialist T. I. R. on a multi tubular space frame chassis supplied
by chassis specialist Marchesi & C.
Assembled bodies were shipped to BMW's German partner Baur for the
mechanical assembly, the last stop then being BMW Motorsports for
final preparation and distribution. The twin-overhead-cam,
four-valves-per-cylinder 3.5-liter six was all BMW with tweaks by
the Motorsports division. A five-speed ZF transaxle was used to
transmit power to the ground. Lamborghini's Gian Paolo Dallara was
responsible for developing the suspension, which followed racing
practice by using unequal-length wishbones at front and rear. The
M1's wedge-shaped coachwork proved highly efficient
aerodynamically, needing very little in the way of additional
spoilers and wings, even in race configuration. The M1's interior
was exceptionally well equipped for a sports car. It featured
Recaro seats in leather with fabric inserts, air conditioning,
electric windows, remotely operated door mirrors and heated rear
screen.
First shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1978, the road-going version
came with 277bhp and a top speed of 160mph. The abandonment of the
Group 5 Silhouette Formula robbed the car of its raison d'�tre, but
production nonetheless continued. An M1-only Procar Series was run
at Grand Prix races in 1980 and '81 provided BMW Motorsport with a
valuable showcase by way of consolation. Some 453 M1s were built
thereby fulfilling racing homologation requirement that 400 be
produced. Production ceased at 399 road cars and 54 Procars.
THIS M1:
Imported into California when new, this M1 spent its life in Canada
before recently returning to the U.S. This M1 has an exceptionally
documented service history and benefits from a significant
mechanical refurbishment. This M1 was cared for at a very high
level and one drive will convince you of that. Not a squeak or
rattle on bumpy roads, this M1 feels new. The car is accompanied by
a thick stack of service and repair receipts detailing maintenance
throughout its lifetime, its service manual, microfiche, owner's
manual, original tool kit, restorer's guide, spare wheel, jack,
safety kit and a Certification from BMW Germany.
The odometer reads 048,067 km (29k miles). Receipts show a costly
engine rebuild at 70k km (42k miles). We do not have an explanation
for the odometer reading. There are no service receipts to verify
mileage progression from the 2nd to last longtime owner who owned
the car from 1990 to 2008 (only parts receipts from 1990 and 1991).
Given the condition, we are assuming he didn't drive it much.
Regardless, we feel the mileage is somewhat irrelevant on this M1
given the level of attention it received, documented by a hundred
or more service and repair receipts. We have had this M1 gone
through top to bottom by a master BMW mechanic and there are no
issues. We welcome Pre Purchase Inspections. This is an extremely
solid, well sorted M1 in the best color.
This special M1 would make a wonderful addition to any
collection.