A piece of automotive history, the 1980 BMW M1, is currently up for auction on Bring A Trailer. This rare model, with only around 400 road-going examples produced during its two-and-a-half years of production run, has become a desirable collector’s item. Completed in June 1980 and originally delivered in Europe, this vehicle was imported to the U.S. in 1987 and has been under the care of its current owner since 2016.
Notably, the M1 underwent a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic refresh before its showcase at the 2017 Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance in California. It features a white finish adorned with the iconic BMW Motorsport tri-color stripes, complemented by a blue leather interior. Under the hood, the car boasts a 3,453cc M88 straight-six engine, known for its Kugelfischer-Bosch fuel injection, six individual throttle bodies and dry-sump lubrication — designed so that the engine won’t starve for oil unless the tank was empty.
For enthusiasts, the M1’s allure is elevated by its ZF five-speed manual transaxle, limited-slip differential, servo-assisted ventilated disc brakes and 16” Campagnolo alloy wheels. Modern touches include air conditioning, power windows and a Becker Europa cassette player, making it a blend of classic design and contemporary comfort.
Developed by BMW’s motorsport division for FIA Group 5 sports car racing, the M1’s journey was complex. Initially planned to be a collaboration with Lamborghini, the partnership dissolved, leading to the involvement of several Italian firms in its construction. Its Gianpaolo Dallara-designed spaceframe and Giorgetto Giugiaro-styled fiberglass bodywork speak to its Italian craftsmanship, while the assembly was completed by hand in Stuttgart, Germany.
The M1 in question features just over 13,000 miles on the odometer and has been bid up to $276,000 USD at the time of writing, with six days left on the auction clock.
See the vintage M1 in action in the video from Bring A Trailer below.
