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1980 BMW M1 Coupé

Sale 14487 - Les Grandes Marques a Monaco - Important Historic Motor Cars and Automobilia, 20 May 2006
Monaco. Bonhams
Lot No: 157
1980 BMW M1 Coupé
Chassis no. 4301171

Sold for €81,650 inclusive of Buyer's Premium

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. M1 development was contracted first to Lamborghini, and then to Giorgetto Giugiaro's Ital Design, though almost all cars were built in Germany. Giugiaro's compact coupé bodywork in glassfibre was wrapped around a multi-tubular spaceframe chassis, while a twin-cam, four-valves-per-cylinder version of BMW's 3.5-litre six driving via a five-speed ZF transaxle provided the motive power. The M1’s wedge-shaped coachwork proved highly efficient aerodynamically, needing very little in the way of additional spoilers and wings in race configuration.

Lamborghini’s Gianpaolo Dallara was responsible for developing the suspension, which followed racing practice by using unequal-length wishbones at front and rear. Soberly trimmed in black and grey, the M1’s interior was exceptionally well equipped, featuring Recaro seats, 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. Only ever intended as a limited-edition model, the M1 ceased production after just 456 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 Grand Prix races in 1980 and '81 provided BMW Motorsport with a valuable showcase by way of consolation.

Finished in black with matching leather interior, this left-hand drive M1 is offered with BMW Frankfurt service invoices (1994 and 1986) and German Fahrzeugbrief. We are advised that the engine is in running condition. One of the true icons to wear the BMW badge.