The Original M-Car
A proposed Group 5 'Silhouette Formula' for production-based cars triggered the 'M1' programme in the mid-1970s, a mid-engined concept car designed in-house at BMW by Paul Bracq providing the basis. Ex-racing driver Jochen Neerpasch was responsible for initiating this ambitious project, whose aims included taking on rivals Porsche in the World Sportscar Championship and, ultimately, victory at Le Mans. Development was contracted first to Lamborghini and then to Giorgetto Giugiaro's ItalDesign, although almost all cars ended up being finished in Germany.
First shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1978, the road-going version came with 277bhp and a top speed of 160mph, making it Germany's fastest production sports car. By that time the car had acquired the model designation 'M1', standing for the first car developed and built by BMW Motorsport GmbH. BMW's long awaited new supercar was rapturously received; one American enthusiast was reported to have ordered three, which was perhaps all the more surprising given the price: DM 100,000, enough to buy four BMW 323i models with enough left over for some optional extras.
Only ever intended as a limited-edition model, the M1 ceased production after only 453 examples had been built, a minimum of 400 being required for homologation. In the event, the abandonment of the Group 5 Silhouette Formula robbed the car of its raison d'être, though the M1-only Procar Series run at Formula 1 Grand Prix races provided BMW Motorsport with a valuable showcase by way of consolation, Niki Lauda winning in 1979 and Nelson Piquet in 1980. In the USA the M1 dominated the 1981 IMSA GTO Championship, Dave Cowart's example winning 12 out of the 16 races. It was a fitting sign-off at the end of the M1's final year of production.
Bonhams will be offering this 1980 BMW M1 at their upcoming Monaco auction on the 11th May. Its estimated value is between €540,000 - €580,000. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos courtesy of Bonhams.