1981 BMW M1 Coupe

This 1981 BMW M1 Coupe was offered for sale at the 2006 Bonhams & Butterfields auction held at the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California where it was estimated to sell between $90,000 - $110,000. It is a left-hand drive M1 who's first owner was a USA resident. The car was purchased from Motorcar Gallery of Fort Lauderdale, Florida on December 28th of 1990. The odometer read just 5,859 miles since new. The second owner purchased the car in November of 2000 with 11,747 miles on the odometer. It currently reads 13,009.

The car has been modified by Dinan Cars of Morgan Hill, California with a M6 fuel injection system and catalytic converter. The M1 now passes the emission tests and has an increase in horsepower and improved durability. Other non-factory enhancements include Phillips xenon headlight bulbs and a Nakamichi AM/FM/CD stereo system. The exterior is finished in white and the interior is black leather.

The road-going versions of the M1, introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1978, came equipped with a 277 horsepower engine and were capable of speeds of 160 mph. Production of the M1 ceased after just 456 examples were produced. The homologation requirements of 400 for Group 5 'Silhouette Formula' had been satisfied.

At auction, this car was sold for $91,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2007