BMW M1 – 1980

A unique BMW M1 with period provenance and period upgraded bodywork to factory Procar specification.

”Give Italians credit for developing the exotic car concept, but leave it to the germans—BMW, specifically—to bring it well nigh to perfection. The BMW M1 is the sort of car that enthusiasts dream about, and for good reason. It has all the elements of a proper exotic car: a powerful, high technology engine located amidships, a suspension resplendent of racing practice, aggressive styling, the right combination of sounds piped into a well engineered cockpit. But what’s so extraordinary about the M1 is the lack of compromise it requires of its driver and passenger. Unlike several other super exotics that come to mind, here’s a car that’s superbly finished, quite comfortable, tractable as you’d like, yet blindingly quick in a straight line or otherwise. It’s an exotic you could live with.” 

Road and Track Magazine, September 1980. 

Model Description

Unveiled at the 1978 Paris Auto Show, the BMW M1 emerged from a desire to beat rival Porsche at their own game. Despite its production being limited to just 453 units, this mid-engined supercar has evolved over time to become perhaps the biggest icon to come out of the Munich marque. It remains to date, one of only two mid-engine cars to come out of BMW. For a brand renowned for speed and creating ”the ultimate driving machines,” BMW’s venture into the supercar sector has been relatively small, with the M1 being the notable exception.

In the mid-1970s, BMW Motorsport Director Jochen Neerpasch was inspired by the Porsche 935’s motorsport triumphs, both in the hands of privateers and the factory’s efforts. Consequently, Neerpasch decided to convince the board of BMW to build a competitor to race in Group 5, the BMW Motorsport 1. However, there was a slight problem. To homologate the M1 for Group 5, BMW needed to manufacture 400 road legal M1s. BMW decided to call up a small Italian company called Lamborghini for help. Gian Paolo Dallara designed the tubular steel space-frame chassis, while Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign sculptured the fiberglass body. Meanwhile in Munich, BMW M’s Paul Rosche crafted the glorious 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine, boasting an output of 273 horsepower.

The car was soon ready but another problem arrived. Lamborghini’s production line faced strike problems forcing BMW to relocate production after only six out of the intended 400 cars were built. Jochen Neerpasch, with a potential fiasco on his hands, was in dire need of a plan, although his M1 had been received with open arms and praised by the motoring media, BMW couldn’t produce them fast enough to sell, and couldn’t homologate the car to go racing. Enter Bernie Ecclestone, who sought to give F1 weekends another spectacle. Fittingly BMW M had some race versions of the M1 that weren’t being used.

The BMW M1 Procar series was born, featuring identical-spec M1s raced by Formula One drivers in dedicated races. Lasting two seasons, Niki Lauda secured the inaugural title, succeeded by Nelson Piquet taking the second.

The introduction of the F1 feature series swiftly saved the Motorsport 1 project. Although the BMW M1 never achieved the racing triumphs of the Porsche 935, The M1 has with its looks, performance, rarity, and even its own racing series evolved into a colossal icon over the decades. Regarded as the most pivotal and influential M car, its legacy remains unparalleled.

This Motor Car

This BMW M1 Chassis number WBS59910004301170, Is a Concours winning example of the 1980s Supercar. Delivered new in February 1980 to Legendary Music Producer Frank Farian, Who founded pop groups such as Boney M, No Mercy and Milli Vanilli with over 850 million records sold. 

Frank Farian, a stylish character: wanted his M1 to be different. Having caught an eye for the bewinged, wide bodied M1 Procars, Farian commissioned M Motosport to give his example the look of the racers. No figure is given for how much this cost, yet our team of experts recognizes it as possibly the sole road-going M1 fitted with a Procar kit by M Motorsport.- Silverstone Auctions merely notes it was done “at considerable expense”. In addition to the Procar kit Farian fitted a Becker Mexico stereo with the graphic equalizer from Clarion, which surely has played some of Mr. Farian’s best hits.

Frank Farian sold the car in 1990 to Erwin Schwedka of Germany, who cherished the car for 28 years until the car was sold to an amateur racing driver. Frank Jennen of Belgium, who raced 24 hour races in Aston Martins both at Spa and Zolder. Jennen sold the BMW M1 through legendary car dealer Coys of Kensingtons Essen auction in 2012. Bought by German classic automobile specialists Gassman cars who kept the car until November 2020 when it through Silverstone Auctions was sold to the current owner: a renowned Swedish car collector.

In 2020 the car won the Owners Choice award at the prestigious Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance. The Owners’ Choice category was selected not by a panel of judges, but by the entrants themselves. Read about it here https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/press/curtains-fall-on-record-breaking-salon-prive-week/

This 1980 BMW M1 is in excellent condition and is sold with a comprehensive history file, it has been subject of a thorough inspection and service by us at Motikon. The car can be viewed in our Uppsala showroom. A full list of the executed work, as well as history, pictures and videos can be sent in case of serious interest. Do not hesitate to get in touch.